Mob torches vehicles as labourer dies in mishap in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Sambalpur, Jan 22:

Irate locals today torched at least eight vehicles following the death of a labourer in a stone crusher unit at Gumulei village under Rengali police station limits near western Odisha town of Sambalpur.

Tension ran high in the area today as locals set ablaze eight vehicles including two JCB machines and a diesel tanker after the death of the labourer in the stone crusher.

The deceased has been identified as Niroj Behera.

According to reports, Niroj had gone to work this morning as per his usual schedule. However, he was crushed under the belt while working in the crusher unit. Following the mishap, he died on the spot.

When the news of the accident spread, the locals went on a rampage and set the vehicles afire. Besides, the mob blocked the road for hours disrupting vehicular movement to Sambalpur.

On being informed about the incident, fire tenders and police rushed to the spot.

The owner and other staff of the crusher have fled the spot after the mishap.

Meanwhile, the locals alleged that they have been demanding the closure of the unit since long but to no avail. Their appeals have fallen into deaf ears and no action has been initiated against the unit for causing pollution in the area.