Over half a dozen people and 15 police personnel were injured as a clash occurred during a public hearing meeting here over establishment of a cement plant by UltraTech at Khamarnuagaon under Athagarh block on Thursday.
Gurudijhatia IIC Anadi Charan Sethi and Khuntuni IIC Satyabrata lenka were injured as police tried to control the mob. The clash took place between the pro and anti-project villagers.
The Cuttack district administration had organised the public hearing meeting. Some villagers were in favour of the company while some others were against it by citing different reasons since the beginning. The people who opposed showed placards by writing its demerits. A tussle broke out and the chairs, tables and other furniture of the meeting ground were thrown by the angry people, who ran amok.
To disperse the irate public, the police resorted to lathi charge and the mob pelted stone at them.
As per the latest report, Athagarh tehsildar Binod Kumar Jena cancelled the meeting. Next date of hearing would be finalised by the Pollution Control Board.