Tension at Essar company after cops-protesters face-off

Paradip: Tension prevailed at Essar company here on Tuesday after a face-off erupted between police and protesters near the main gate of the company.

The irate mob attacked the police in which an official was injured. Police vehicle was also ransacked by the mob. In view of any possible untoward incident, two platoons of police have been deployed to keep a close watch on the situation.

Sources said the company employees locked the gate of the unit in the morning and staged a sit-in pressing for their various demands. On being informed, police rushed to spot and faced the protesters' ire while trying to disperse the mob. Some of the irked employees also vandalised office inside the company, sources said.

The employees said despite their several requests the company authorities turned a blind eyes to their demands which prompted them to resort to strike.

Meanwhile, police arrested seven persons for attacking the security forces.