Villagers-police clash at Belabahali: 99 arrested

Keonjhar: Tension continues to prevail today at Belabahali near Anandpur in the district which saw violent clashes between police and villagers who were protesting a proposed dam on Kosei river.

According to sources, the protesting villagers are likely to hold discussions to finalise future course of action.

Meanwhile, 15 platoons of force have been deployed to keep the situation under control and police have launched an investigation into the clash. As many as 99 persons including 63 women were sent to jail in connection with the case after a court, in which the arrested persons were produced, denied them bail.

Notably, the villagers have been vehemently opposing the proposed bridge project as a part of the expansion of NH-215 and demanding its relocation. Several rounds of discussions in this regard were held between the villagers and the administration. With no headway in sight, the villagers took to the streets again yesterday which resulted in confrontation with police leaving scores injured including policemen. Three police officers were seriously injured in the clash.