Hundreds of women living in Manikpur under Englishbazar police station on Sunday blocked the state highway to demand an under-construction chemical factory be shifted from their locality.
The densely populated site was unsuitable for such a factory and could cause health hazards for them once the unit became operational, the protesters claimed.
“We have been protesting against construction of the factory in our area for long. We had knocked on the doors of the block administration and some state departments. But our efforts yielded no result and recently, construction work started at the site. That is why we blocked the road,” said protester Sarathi Talukdar.
According to them, different chemicals will be produced at the upcoming unit and effluents can pose health hazards for them.
“Many vacant plots in deserted locations are available with the government in the district. We want the administration to take the initiative and shift the factory to one such place. Ever since the construction has started, we are fearful of our health,” another woman who joined the protest, said.
The blockade halted traffic in the area till a police team from Englishbazar police station went to the spot and spoke with the demonstrators. When the police tried to remove them, an altercation erupted and the protesters alleged that the police had beaten some of them with batons.
“They misbehaved with us and even charged batons. Some of us have suffered injuries,” said Talukdar.
Police have denied the allegations of baton-charge.
Englishbazar block officials, when asked about the issue, said they would look into it. “Now that a section of local residents are aggrieved, we will talk to them. We will also check out whether their apprehensions are correct and whether those building the factory are adhering to all necessary anti-pollution measures,” said an official.
Jewel thief arrested
A team of Maharashtra police conducted a joint raid with the Malda district police in Sahapur area of Old Malda on Sunday and arrested resident Ranjit Mahato.
Police sources said Mahato was a cook at the house of a state government official of Maharashtra in Haraprasad police station area of Pune. A few days back, he allegedly decamped with gold and platinum jewellery worth Rs 13 lakh. The police track him through his cell phone.