BHUBANESWAR: Khurda Collectorate turned a virtual battleground on Tuesday when a clash ensued between the public representatives and police.The public representatives from Tangi, who had gone to file complaints to the Collector against the district administration on poor implementation of welfare schemes, broke the police barricade and barged into the Collectorate. It prompted the police to resort to lathi charge resulting in grievous injuries to two persons.
Sources said the public representatives and members of Tangi Jana Jagram Mahamenta initially damaged some flower pots at the Collectorate. However, the situation soon went out of control when the irate protestors clashed with the cops.Khurda SDPO Jugal Kishore Das said since members of Tangi Jana Jagram Mahamenta created a law and order situation, police had to intervene to disperse the mob.
Samiti members of Nirakarpur panchayat, who were part of the protest, said the district administration is acting in line with the agenda of political parties while implementing both Central and State Government programmes. They alleged that poor quality of ‘chhatua’ is provided under ICDS scheme. Besides, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana and the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana are not being executed properly.
Khurda Collector NC Mishra said the matter could have been sorted out in an amicable manner and the members and public representatives should have refrained from violence. “If the Samiti members have any grievance, they should seek an appointment and discuss it with us and we would forward the matter to the BDOs concerned for solution”, he said.