Rourkela: A massive rescue operation by police, fire services personnel was launched on Saturday to trace five youths who have reportedly gone missing in a tunnel of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) since June 3.
As per information, nine youths of Sitalapada in Uditnagar had entered into RSP premises through the disposal tunnel to commit robbery at the steel plant.
Though four of them had managed to come out, five are still said to be trapped inside the tunnel.
Earlier, four youths had entered the tunnel on June 3 and as they did not return, two others again entered into the tunnel by tying ropes on their waist to rescue the trapped ones.
However, one of the two youths got struck in the tunnel and was subsequently rescued by locals while remaining five youths are yet to be traced.
Locals alleged that anti-socials are frequently entering into the plant premises through the tunnel and are looting steel items and later sell them in market.
“The plant authorities have not taken any steps to check such illegal activities. No security guard has been deployed at the site for which people manage to sneak into the plant through this disposal tunnel to with an intention of loot,” said a local.