A villager died and several others sustained injuries when Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF) personnel resorted to lathi charge on locals who were staging an agitation in front of Vedanta Alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Monday.

About 20 injured villagers have been admitted to Lanjigarh and Biswanathpur hospitals nearby.

The victim has been identified as Dani Batra (45). According to reports, the villagers had sat on a dharna in front of the company gate demanding engagement in the refinery unit from Monday morning. Many agitators were displaced by the Vedanta project.

When security personnel tried to shift them from near main gate, a scuffle ensued, following which security personnel resorted to lathi charge. With tension continuing to mount, authorities clamped prohibitory order under Section-144 of CrPC. As per latest report, people have blocked different roads leading to the plant.