Labour unrest leads to curfew at Utkal Alumina plant

The Rayagada district administration on Saturday imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPc at the Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL) plant site at Doraguda in Kasipur block after irate labourers attacked police and set ablaze a police vehicle. The workers were up in arms against company officials after a labourer died in an accident on the company premises. The deceased was identified as Basist Narayan (42), a resident of Bihar.

According to sources, at least four labourers were injured when a huge steel plate fell on them inside the plant on Friday night. While they were admitted to Tikiri hospital for treatment, Narayan was referred to the district headquarters hospital as his condition deteriorated. However, he succumbed to his injuries on his way to Rayagada hospital.

"There is palpable tension in the area and prohibitory orders have been imposed at the plant site to avoid any untoward incident. Though presently, the situation is under control, security personnel have been deployed at the company site to avoid any eventuality," said DIG Saumyendra Priyadarsi.

On Saturday morning, when company officials, accompanied with a police team, reached the accident spot for inquiry, they had a heated argument with the labourers over safety measures followed in the plant. This led to a tussle between police and the labourers, as the former tried to pacify the irate labourers. At least five police personnel were injured in the scuffle as police resorted to lathicharge to contain the situation. "The labourers set a police vehicle on fire. The injured cops are out of danger now. We have detained at least 30 labourers and our investigation is on. Presently, the situation is under control," the DIG said. However, company officials were unavailable for comment.