Paradip, April 27: Police allegedly used force to remove a roadblock and arrested three leaders of displaced and land losers' outfit, sparking tension in and around the oil refinery complex here.

The police arrested Abhaya Sahu, Sarada Jena and Bipin Moharana, who had led the agitation and allegedly instigated protesters to trigger violence. They were later sent to jail after local court dismissed their bail application, the police said.

Incidentally, Sahu had spearheaded the resistance movement against the Posco steel project. The protesters, including the women, later staged a massive dharna outside Abhayachandpur police station, condemning the use of force on them and the arrest of their leaders.

Security has been stepped up near the project site with additional deployment of armed police forces.

Hundreds of protesters continue to squat in front of the entrance to the refinery even though the agitation has not affected the day-to-day function of the project. The IOCL authorities have taken up the rehabilitation issue and would settle the matter amicably with the district administration, said senior manager of Paradip oil refinery Manjushri Singh.

"We have been forced to tighten security as protesters are squatting in front of the refinery gate. Later, the protesters staged dharna in front of the local police station. The agitation has so far been peaceful. No untoward situations have occurred. No force was used on the protesters as was being alleged. We are keeping tabs on the situation to prevent possible breach of peace in the area," said additional superintendent of police Madhabanand Sahu.

"Police dragged us to lift the roadblock. We might have infringed law by obstructing vehicular movement. But, our protest was justified and democratic in spirit as we are being denied of our rightful claims," said a protester, Arjun Sahu.