Ranchi, April 24: A day after the death of a labourer in a clash between villagers and artisans on Sapphire International School premises at Hardag, over 200 villagers laid a siege over the Tupudana police outpost demanding security this afternoon.

The villagers, dominated by tribal women, were heard saying that they were innocent and the craftsmen, who were brought from different parts of the country to complete work on the school premises, were responsible for the incident.

“It was a craftsman who, after a dispute over purchase of a tobacco pouch at Darha village, injured two villagers and then took shelter on the school premises. After the attack, the villagers retaliated,” said Birsi Oraon pointing towards the injured village youths Bigwa Kujur and Thona Tirkey.

Villagers were also heard saying that they would not allow the school to function in their locality if they are dragged into any trouble.

“We are not against the school. But at the same time we would not allow an anti-villager to remain inside the school,” Santosh Tigga, a locality resident was heard saying at the police outpost.

Meanwhile, about 100 craftsmen deputed for completing the painting, flooring and other artistic work, left the school premises anticipating trouble. “For how long can the police save us when the villagers are against us,” an artisan, who claimed to be a resident of Delhi, said while leaving the school premises.

School chairman Rohit Sahu was not available for comment. School sources, however, said hostels were vacated today and classes suspended due to security reasons. The source added that there was neither any damage to the school building and there nor dispute over the construction.

“Classes would resume as soon as the situation becomes normal,” the source added.

City police superintendent Richard Lakra, however, said the situation was under control and he has taken necessary action to maintain peace in the locality. “We will not spare anyone responsible for the violence. Criminal proceedings will be initiated against them,” he said.

Soon after the official opening of Sapphire International School, a labour from Bengal, Dinesh Dalai (24), was killed yesterday.

The school is situated about 13 km from the airport and 9 km from the railway station. Surrounded by trees, the school’s 30-acre campus is situated close to lush green forests and it enjoys a picturesque rural setting.

The main three-storey building houses the administrative wing that is connected to the primary, middle and upper school wings. In addition to spacious classrooms, the main building includes an auditorium, library, science and computer and language laboratories.

The highlight of the structure is a six-storey elegant clock tower, comprising the art and craft, music and hobby rooms on separate floors.

The administrative wing of the school includes reception areas, executive offices, a conference room and a control room that provides round-the-clock monitoring of the school’s technical and security systems.