Fasting agitator dies, tension in Keonjhar

Keonjhar: One of the agitating truck owners died after an 8-day hunger strike here today, sparking tension and law and order problem in the district.

Angry over the death of Prem Ranjan Behera (55), the agitators went on the rampage at the district collector's office and damaged his official vehicle, police said.

District Collector Balwant Singh said detailed information about the circumstances that led to the death of Behera was being collected.

Behera died at the government hospital in Ghasipura area before being shifted to SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack.

District truck owners association was on hunger strike near Collector's office since September 4,demanding permission to transport minerals through trucks instead of train.

"Behera's condition worsened last night and he was rushed to government hospital at Ghasipura this morning. However, he died before being shifted to Cuttack," one of the agitating truck owners said.

Sub-Divisional Medical Officer (SDMO), Bikram Moharana said Behera, a diabetic, was already gasping when he was taken to hospital and he died within a few minutes.