2 die in police firing in Kodala

BERHAMPUR: The simmering tension over the past three days at Kodala in Ganjam district took an ugly turn on Friday triggering police firing in which two protesters were killed.The police had to open fire to disperse villagers, who turned violent during a road blockade in Kodala.Villagers put up road-blocks for the third successive day to protest the arrest of about 45 people from the area for the July 13 group clash in which two persons were killed.When cops tried to clear the road blockade at Khajipalli in Kodala, stones were hurled at them by the protesters.  Unable to control the mob by using batons and mild force, police opened fire in which two persons were killed and four villagers injured, DGP Manmohan Praharaj said.At least eight policemen were also injured in the attack by villagers, said the DGP, who visited the area. “The situation in the area is tense but under control. Steps have been taken to maintain law and order and prevent further flare-up,” he said.Both the bodies were in MKCG Medical Hospital here for post-mortem, hospital sources said. One of the victims has been identified as Narayana Polai.  The situation in Kodala took a violent turn as the villagers intensified their agitation against the Eregola community.Three days ago, over 5,000 people from various villages attacked Marathi street where Eregola community members are staying. About 20 houses were set ablaze.Following the attack, the residents of Marathi street fled from the area. Some of them have been temporarily accommodated at a Kalyanmandap by the administration. As the police initiated action against the attackers and rounded up 45 persons, violence flared up.The villagers blocked roads at Chachina, Mathasarasing and Deogaon. The locals alleged that police attacked them without provocation.Kodala town has been cordoned off by armed police.  Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a compensation of ` 2 lakh to the next of kin of those who died.Traffic was disrupted between Aska and Bhubaneswar for several hours because of the road blockade.Additional Director-General of Police Sanjeeb Marik was earlier in the area.