Protesters in front of Paradip police station. Telegraph picture

Paradip April, 12: Voicing their anger over the deplorable law and order situation in the port town, various organisations today demonstrated in front of the local police station, evoking support from local residents.

Today’s show of protest was sequel to a murderous attempt on Paradip Municipality’s vice-chairman Basant Kumar Biswal on Sunday night. Two bombs were thrown at Biswal’s quarters at Madhuban locality on that day. Police had retrieved a bomb while the other had exploded.

Biswal and his family members, however, escaped unhurt. Police are still groping in the dark to nab the culprits behind the incident.

Members of the Paradip Truck Owners’ Association, the Orissa Marine Fish Producers’ Association, besides members of various civil society groups took active part in the protest rally today.

Councillors of Paradip Municipality also took out a rally and staged a sit-in in front of the police station protesting against the attack on the municipality vice-chairman’s house.

“Police stations in and around Paradip have virtually turned into offices of the ruling party. Police personnel behave like agents of the ruling party. Emboldened by police patronage, criminals have let loose a reign of terror making law-abiding people their soft targets. Extortion has become the order of the day. Criminals are being hired to settle score with opponents. Police have become silent spectators as law-breakers are spreading their network,” said Sumanta Kumar Biswal, chief of the Orissa Marine Fish Producers’ Association.