local residents on Friday held a demonstration and blocked the Charichhack-Astarang road by burning tyres in protest against the arrest of a social activist Santosh Sarangi, who was holding fast-unto-death for the last eight days demanding fulfilment of an eight-point charter of demands.
The protestors questioned on whose instructions the police arrested Pradhan. Are the police working in the interest of the people or the mafiaIJ They further said if Pradhan is not released and the demands are not met the agitation will take an ugly turn. Though freedom fighter and former MP Bhabanicharan Patnaik went to the spot and held discussions with the protestors, but he failed.
The agitators have warned that if the ruling party and official machinery do not take immediate steps, the agitation would be further intensified.
The road blockade is still continuing.