Kanas: At least three policemen were injured after a scuffle broke out between the police and villagers, who were protesting near the tehsil office here Friday demanding immediate transfer of tehsildar Sanjay Kumar Pratihari.
The police detained 59 agitators belonging to Kanas Nagarika Manch and some BJP leaders for violating Section 144 which was clamped near the tehsil office by the administration and released them later.
According to sources, the members of the outfit had been staging a satyagraha in front of the tehsil office since December 15 opposing alleged excessive action, use of abusive language and delay in allocating Phailin aid by the tehsildar.
As the agitation affected the works of the tehsil office, sub-collector Madhusudan Das had imposed Section 144 within 250 metres radius of the tehsil office to maintain law and order.
Friday morning, about 500 protestors took out a rally and were heading towards the tehsil office when the police intercepted them. Some BJP leaders also joined in. soon a scuffle ensued between the protestors and the police after they tried to enter the tehsil office by breaking the barricades.
Later, the police arrested 59 protestors including some BJP leaders for violating the Section 144 and released them on bail.
Although the villagers continue their protest for the past 15 days, the administration has not taken any measures to address the issue. While the agitators accused the tehsildar of indulging in corruption, the district administration has given clean chit to the official, sources said.
PNN
