JHARSUGUDA: Tension flared up in Brajrajnagar area after a worker engaged in construction of a bridge over Ib river reportedly went missing on Friday morning. He was identified as 47-year-old Jagabandhu Jagat of nearby Ib village.
Jagat was engaged by CAS Construction, the firm hired by South East Central Railway (SECR) to execute the rail over bridge (ROB) work on the third line over Ib river.
It is believed that Jagat was swept away in the river while trying to place a boulder to stop the earth from caving in due to flow of water.
Sources said at around 10 am, Jagat went missing during work but the matter came to light at 1 pm.
Following the incident, irate locals ransacked the office of CAS Construction. Some villagers even robbed computers and other items kept in the office.
Though a team of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force has been engaged in search operation, Jagat could not be traced till till reports last came in.
Contacted, CPRO of SECR Bilaspur Division Prakash Chandra Tripathi said he was not aware of the incident. Locals have demanded strict action against officials of CAS construction.