Journalists attacked, threatened by oil mafia in Jharsuguda; three arrested

A shocking incident of violence by the oil mafia came to light in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district on Friday, when journalists covering a diesel theft were attacked near the IOCL depot at Malimunda, under Jharsuguda Airport police limits.

According to reports, a team of journalists had travelled to the area to gather information about alleged diesel theft from an oil tanker. While gathering information, they were confronted by the members of the local oil mafia, who threatened and also assaulted them.
Three journalists were reportedly threatened with knives and other weapons. The attackers allegedly had even planned to kill them.

Attack on Journalists

Reports said the journalists were reportedly subjected to a life-threatening assault during the incident, raising serious concerns about the safety of media personnel in the region.

On receiving information, the Sadar SDPO and the IIC rushed to the spot. Later, police managed to detain three accused individuals linked to the incident. Authorities also seized a vehicle allegedly used by the oil mafia, along with several jars containing stolen diesel.

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Police launches a probe

The police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to uncover the full extent of the criminal operation.