Clash between police and villagers over pollution issue, over 100 detained

Surat

Over 100 persons are detained, 10 police persons including ACP are injured in clash between police and villagers over the issue of pollution by local Colourtex factory near Surat today morning.

Locals of Koli community dominated Budiya, Dipli and other villages are into agitation against Colourtex company located close to village over pollution issue.

Locals have time and again complained that the company discharge poisonous waste which has caused cancer to many villagers. Locals also allege that the company is situated too close to the village violating the norms.

According to locals, they had concrete information that Colourtex company was all set to move five trucks full of wastage to dump in Khadi area. Locals gathered at Koli community farmm and stopped the trucks on Sachin-Magdalla road. They called police to take culprits in custody. Locals also blocked road and staged protest against functioning of the factory even after their several protest programmes.

Clash between police and local villagers sparked off in the morning after arguments between a local woman and police force.Police had to lob tear gas shells and use lathicharge to control the crowd when clash was on its peak. 10 policemen were injured in this clash. Locals complain that angry policemen rushed to villages and broke down the glasses of cars parked there. Policemen were so angry that they stepped into the houses to punish the locals.

The situation was in control after 9.00 am.

Vehicles, houses attacked by Police