Rourkela: National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has initiated an investigation into the clash between police and villagers at Barkani near Rourkela that resulted in one death and injuries to several people.
The commission has sought detailed information from four senior officials, including the SAIL chairman, following the clash during a protest against construction of railway tracks by Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
R K Dubey, deputy director of NCST, has written to the Sundargarh district collector, SAIL chairman, SP and RSP director in-charge, requesting a comprehensive report within 30 days. The commission, exercising its powers under Article 338A of the Constitution, has warned of potential summons if the officials fail to respond within the stipulated period.
The incident took place on Saturday when a 40-year-old villager allegedly died after being hit by an earthmover during the protest. The clash left 22 officials, including 16 police personnel, injured. Several villagers were also hurt in the confrontation.
Bondamunda police have registered two cases — against the protesters for assault on officials and damage to property, including a police drone, and another for murder against the earthmover operator and others based on the complaint by the deceased’s wife.