The protection provider of Paradip industrial hub Arindam (Bapi) Sarkhel who appealed for protection from local police and district administration and prayed for improvement of law and order situation in and around Paradip township has surprised many.
Opposing the January 5 shootout incident in Paradip, Sarkhel had taken out a rally demanding restoration of law and order in the port town.
On January 5, two unidentified culprits had fired at a running Innova car near Bauria Palanda Chhak, in which an office staff of Paradip Ersama Industrial Development Council (PEIDC) led by Sarkhel had been injured.
On January 6, a FIR was lodged by the victim Rakka. But after four days of the incident, Sarkhel had organized the rally from Mausi Temple, Madhuban to Paradip Police Station and gave a memorandum to the Collector demanding improvement of law and order situation of Paradip.
It is alleged that a few days back, Rakka had presented a costly golden bracelet to a local Minister and expressed his and union’s allegiance to him. Sources said Rakka was waiting to leave the circle of Sarkhel and his men, while running his own association.