Odisha former legislator alleges police filed false cases against peaceful protestors

Debendra Sharma, former legislator of Odisha has alleged that Rajkanika police has filed false cases against the supporters of Kharasrota Nadi Banchao Sangram Samiti, which is opposed to the construction of a mega drinking water project on the river, at Barunadiha.

Sharma told journalists at a press conference yesterday that while the protestors were protesting peacefully on August 12, the police indulged in unprovoked lathi charge. As a result, the protesters got agitated and marched to the project site, defying prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code, he added.

The politician alleged that the police acted at the behest of leaders of the ruling party. He has appealed to the State Chief Minister and the State Director General of police to look into the matter and take appropriate action against Rajkanika police.