Contractor’s godown set on fire in Kalahandi, Maoist angle ruled out

Miscreants set a contractor’s godown on fire at Chatamahul on Rupra Road under the Narla police station limits in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, triggering panic in the area late on Monday night. Fire services personnel rushed to the spot after being alerted and brought the blaze under control. No injuries were reported.

As per reports, during initial inspection, posters bearing the name and symbols of Maoists were found pasted at several places inside the godown. The posters reportedly carried threats of setting fire to more godowns within the next year and issuing threats to the godown owner’s family. Sources said four different posters were recovered from the premises.

One of the posters reportedly mentioned that within 48 hours, a godown worker identified as Kartik would be killed. The posters also allegedly stated that other godowns owned by the contractor would be set on fire within the year.

Earlier Threats And Probe Findings

As per reports, a Maoist poster was found inside the godown owner’s vehicle, demanding Rs 37 lakh and threatening that his family would be killed if the demand was not met. Following this, police had launched an investigation into the matter.

During the probe, it was established that the godown owner’s son was allegedly associated with issuing the threats. He was sent to jail in connection with the case and was released on bail nearly a month ago.

Damage And Official Clarification

Locals noticed the fire late on Monday night and informed the family and police, following which two fire brigade teams were deployed to douse the flames. The godown, which stored materials related to tube well digging such as pipes, tanks and old vehicles, suffered significant damage.

The godown owner, Dinesh Agarwal, was reportedly out of the village on medical grounds due to a relative’s health issues at the time of the incident. No details regarding any previous enmity could be ascertained at the time of reporting.

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Kalahandi Superintendent of Police Nagaraj Devarakonda clarified that the incident has no connection with Maoists and described the posters as fake.