Bhadrak: Situation became tense at the Old Town Area of Bhadrak after police lathicharged people. Police action came in the wake people protesting on the streets after the cops apparently threw out spreading sheets — used for religious purposes — from a shop meant for sale Monday evening.
Two locals sustained severe injuries in the lathicharge and are undergoing treatment at district headquarters hospital (DHH).
Police force came under pressure as locals demanded the removal of inspector-in-charge Pragyan Mohanty, who was Ratikanta Giri has been appointed in his place.
According to sources, police threw out clothes from a shop in the area which enraged the locals. The resentment soon snowballed into agitation and people thronged the Old Town PS demanding the removal of Mohanty.
With situation getting out of control, police had to order mild lathicharge but that took a worse turn. IG Diptesh Patnaik, who was here to attend a programme, visited the site along with SP Rajesh Pandit. Both the cops visited the DHH to enquire about the health condition of the two admitted there.
When asked, IG Patnaik said that cops have been asked in ‘Mo Sarakar yojana’ to be friendly with the people. “In spite of that if a police officer is found misbehaving people, he is sure to face the music. Keeping the demand of the people in view, the IIC has immediately been transferred,” Patnaik said.
Four platoons of police force have been deployed at the Old Town PS, DHH and other sensitive areas to avoid further escalation of tension, it was learnt.
PNN