Dhenkanal, Jan. 29: Tension prevailed in the Bhushan Steel Limited complex here following an alleged firing by the company security guards injuring three villagers.

The irate villagers of Talbahal locked the plant gate at Kantabania, demanding compensation to the injured and action against the erring guards, who had shot at them while they were bathing in a nearby nullah.

Police detained some security officials of the company and interrogated them. The villagers said three teenaged boys had gone to the nearby nullah to take a bath when the security guards opened fire at them. The three injured have been admitted to a local hospital. The police said they were out of danger.

After the news spread, hundreds of local villagers stormed the plant and locked the gate. They did not allow any vehicle to pass through the area. The district administration officials and Kantabania police reached the spot and managed to convince the villagers to call off their agitation after the plant management had agreed to bear the cost of the treatment.

'We are investigating the incident. So far, no arrest has been made, but interrogation of some of the security officials of the plant is under way. The villagers called off their agitation after they were assured of measures,' said inspector in charge of Kantabanipolice station Jitendra Sahu.