Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Nimapada, Nov 26:

Section 144 of CrPC was clamped at Chari Chhak here in Odisha's Puri district this morning as locals torched a police van following a clash between them and cops.

clash

According to reports, a social activist namely Santosh Pradhan had staged a hunger strike here from November 18 demanding fulfillment of seven point charter of demands including development of Chari Chhak community health centre.

Pradhan was allegedly picked up by police from the spot on Thursday night.

Demanding the release of Pradhan and appointment of doctors at the hospital, the locals had staged road blockade at Chari Chhak yesterday.

When police reached the spot this morning and tried to persuade the locals to withdraw the stir, a clash ensued between the two.

The locals reportedly hurled stones at the cops and set a police van on fire.

On the other hand, police said that Pradhan has been admitted to the district headquarters hospital as his health condition deteriorated during the fast-unto-death.

The blockade was withdrawn in the evening after Puri district administration officials held talks with the agitators.