Police, Public face off during public hearing on cement plant

Athagarh: A public hearing on proposed plant of UltraTech Cement near Khamara Nuagaan here in Cuttack district was disrupted following a scuffle between police and local residents on Thursday.

The tussle ensued after police intervened in a quarrel between two rival groups over the establishment of the industry. Tension mounted further when the cops used force against the people and resorted to lathicharge after people pelted stones at security personnel and other administrative officers present to conduct the hearing.

As the situation went out of control, sub-collector Harish Chandra Nayak postponed the hearing.