DHENKANAL: At least three boys were injured on Thursday after a security guard of Bhushan Steel Limited (BSL) at Meramundali opened fire on them, police said. The incident took place this noon when a group of boys were playing near a tank close to steel plant’s boundary wall.
The injured boys have been identified as Amar Nayak (15), Laxmidhar Nayak (16) and Manoj Nayak (17) of Talabahal village.
Protesting against the firing and demanding compensation for the victims, the villagers closed the main gate of the plant. They demanded action against the BSL authorities and the erring security guards. Police prevented the situation from taking an ugly turn after pacifying the villagers.
“We have detained three security persons basing on a complaint by the the villagers,” said Jitendra Sahoo, inspector in-charge of Kanatabania police station.
The security personnel admitted that they had opened fire on the children apprehending theft of company materials. The situation in the area is tense but under control. Elaborate security arrangement has been made to avoid further trouble, police said.
In another incident on BSL premises, a contract worker, Phabira Nayak, was found dead in Room No.14 at SMS-I around 7.30 am on Thursday. She was staying in Room No.13. Police suspect food poisoning to be the reason behind her death. The victim belonged to Angul district and worked as a sweeper. Police are inquiring into the incident.
However, no official from the Bhushan Steel was available for comment. The company paid `3 lakh as compensation to the family of the deceased.