The Angul district police administration led by its SP Jagmohan Meena and Talcher BJD MLA Brajakishore Pradhan had a faceoff as the former tried to evict villagers for the MCL’s mining project and the latter opposed it along with the disgruntled people at Talcher.
Consequently, the issue of displacement and rehabilitation has created widespread tension in Talcher. The incident led to a complete closure of operation of all the mines of MCL at Talcher. The faceoff occurred when three top administrators including VK Padian and Additional Chief Secretary AK Meena were present at Angul reviewing the Mo Sarkar programme.
The people of Bhalugadia, who are affected due to the Hingula Mines and allegedly are deprived of employment and proper rehabilitation, have resented displacement. However, a police force led by SP Jagmohan Meena came to the spot to facilitate eviction.
Police force and the SP himself faced the agitated people who were led by MLA Pradhan. Though Pradhan belongs to the ruling BJD, still all sorts of negotiation failed.