Former Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president and former Minister Niranjan Patnaik has called for an end to the mafia raj in the Meramunduli-Talcher-Angul industrial cluster.
He made the statement after visiting Talcher and meeting local Independent MlA Braja Kishore Pradhan, who was arrested in the wake of his arrest for leading demonstrations against the alleged nexus between coal mafia and Government officials including police.
The Meramunduli-Talcher-Angul cluster has now become one of the top three most polluted places in India and among one of the most polluted in the world. The State Pollution Control Board is aware of the problems but cannot act because of the powerful people who protect industries in this cluster, Patnaik said.
He said the MCl has not been able to provide jobs to many displaced families. As an adhoc measure some have been provided low-paid contractual jobs. The development of the area has excluded the local population, who are angry and frustrated. Industrial companies have officials of the State Government in their pocket. The affairs of the Bhushan Steel are not an exception.
Patnaik said the Talcher police have no jurisdiction to arrest anyone outside their limits. The MlA was attending the Assembly session in Bhubaneswar, from where he was arrested. The purpose was clearly to use State power to suppress a popular movement and intimidate the people.
The police were more than happy to be used because from top to bottom they have their own vested interests.
The Chief Minister should personally visit Talcher, which he only does during elections. The MlA has demanded a CBI investigation into the dubious dealings in the entire Talcher-Angul-Meramunduli cluster.
“All these Government officers and politicians must be exposed and prosecuted. The mafia rule there must end,” Patnaik said.