Odisha: Lawyers denied entry into Collectorate, clash with cops

Dhenkanal: Tension ran high at the district Collector office here after members of the Dhenkanal District Lawyers’ Association had a face-off with police personnel while staging a demonstration over a series of demands.

Holding banners and shouting slogans, the activists came on a rally and later gheraoed the Collectorate pressing for fulfillment of various demands, including opening of a new police outpost and proper waste management system at the district headquarters hospital (DHH) and stoppage of Rajdhani Express at Dhenkanal railway station.

The situation turned ugly when police personnel tried to prevent the agitating lawyers from force-entering the Collectorate. The activists later threw eggs and tomatoes at the office.

Rasing several other issues like traffic mismanagement and encroachment, the lawyers alleged that the new Collector has not undertaken any developmental work since the dayhe assumed office.

Meanwhile, police personnel deployed at the site were trying to bring the situation under control till last reports came in.