Police lathicharge injured 20 Farmers near Hirakud Dam

It seems police atrocities have reached a point of no return in the state. In yet another attempt to show the power of their uniform, the policemen went berserk on the farmers who were attempting to enter a prohibited area of Hirakud dam. They were protesting the alleged diversion of irrigation water to industries. At least 20 people, including eight women, were injured in the incident.

It was reported that more than 20,000 farmers under the banner of the Paschim Orissa Krushak Sangathan Samanwaya Samiti (POKSSS) had launched the protest outside the prohibited area of the dam. After the incident occurred, senior police and administrative officials rushed to the spot. The situation is said to be under control. According to the protesters, if the government decides to divert more water for mega industries, at least 50,000 or more farmers would be deprived of water.