Rourkela: Work for construction of a bridge-cum-barrage over Deo river, which had been stalled for some time now, has resumed again under security cover. Due to threats issued by the People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI), the company engaged in the construction of the bridge had deserted the site earlier this year. Initially work for the bridge, being built at Rs 44 crore, started in April, 2022. A company from Chhattisgarh had been entrusted with the responsibility of building the bridge. Once the entire facility is completed it will be hugely beneficial to commuters as well as farmers, locals informed.
Trouble started on New Year’s Day this year when 10-12 PLFI members turned up at the site and demanded money. They threatened the site in-charge and workers with dire consequences if the amount was not paid. PLFI is a dreaded organisation as its activities are quite similar to those of Maoists. The armed miscreants again returned to the spot two days later on the night of January 3. They ruthlessly thrashed all those present at the site. The PLFI cadres warned that unless the workers leave the construction site or the company pays up, they will all be killed. In these circumstances, the company withdrew all its temporary and permanent employees from the site. It stated that unless proper security cover is provided, work will not start.
With locals demanding resumption of construction of the bridge-cum-barrage, the district administration has finally decided to provide adequate security personnel at the site. Work for the past few days have been progressing smoothly in presence of armed policemen. SDPO Biramitrapur, Susant Das said, “We are providing armed security and work is progressing smoothly both during the day and night. I am sure the PLFI cadres will not return as we have got adequate number of policemen guarding the site.”