The Paradip Port Stevedores’ Association (PPSA) on Tuesday termed the allegations levelled by the rival Utkal Stevedores’ Association (USA) as baseless, unfounded and irrational.
PPSA members said that for the last thirty years, they have been working peacefully and smoothly in the Paradip Port.
Speaking at a Press conference here, PPSA member Charchit Mishra said neither the Odisha Stevedores limited (OSl) nor any member of the PPSA is involved in the murder of Seaways Shipping Private limited (SSPl) general manager Mahendra Swain. He requested the police to probe all the angles in the murder case including the allegation of the Dumper Owners’ Association, to unearth the truth and nab the real accused.
Mishra further said the letter by the Dumper Owners’ Association addressed to the Paradip police station IIC on November 6 is self-explanatory. The deceased Swain was allegedly involved in unethical and illegal practices by duping local youths by making false promises for engaging their tippers in the Paradip Port work.
When asked about the lookout Circular issued by the police, Mishra said they have not received any such circular. PPSA general secretary Antaryami Patnaik said the USA has stooped to a new low and resorted to tarnishing the image of OSl’s managing director Mahimananda Mishra, who also happens to be the president of their association.
Clarifying on the allegations made by USA, that OSl is monopolizing cargo handling operation at the Paradip Port, Patnaik said PPSA has 28 members while USA has six members. Had OSl monopolised the trade and dictated PPSA’s functioning, there would not have been induction of any new members like Swastik Stevedores, liberty Maritime Syndicate Private limited and others. Thirdly the claim by USA that it has been able to spark off competition to attract more cargo at competitive prices is without logic.
When asked how and when the dispute started between PPSA and USA, a member Pravat Kumar Nandi said the dispute started when JSPl appointed SSPl as its handling agent in July, 2015 in violation of ethics and trade practices. Among others, member Khalid Khan was present.