Jagatsinghpur: Tension prevailed in Biridi block of Jagatsinghpur district after police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse people who gathered at the local Tehsil office to collect relief materials today. One person identified as Pramod Muduli was injured in the baton-charge by cops.
According to reports, a large number of cyclone Fani-affected people had reached the Tehsil office in Biridi block to collect polythene sheets. As the place got crowded, police reportedly resorted to mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and control the situation.
Following the incident, the gathered people staged a demonstration protesting police action. Alleging that the act by police was deliberate, the villagers demanded action against the errant officials and compensation for the injured. In view of the tension, a police platoon was deployed at the relief distribution center.
"The manhandling and lathi-charge incident was deliberate," alleged one villager adding that the official must get strict punishment and the victim should be compensated.
Injured Pramod's family members lodged a complaint at Biridi Police Station following the incident.
"We will take strict action if allegations are proved," assured Prakash Chandra Pal, SDPO, Jagatsinghpur Sadar.