Security personnel stand guard at the Indian Oil refinery site in Paradip. Telegraph picture

Paradip, July 1: Tension prevailed in the Indian Oil Corporation Limited refinery complex here as contractual workers attacked security personnel when they were denied entry into project site yesterday.

The security personnel of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) stopped a section of workers from entering the construction site because they were not in possession of entry permit. This angered the workers, police said.

A similar incident had occurred at the project site during the mandatory security check last month.

Yesterday, a mob comprising daily labourers affiliated to various trade unions locked up the entrance gate leading to the refinery complex. Later, they lobbed stones at the CISF camp office at the project site. The mob also damaged the security office near the entry gate of the project.

Armed with sticks and iron rods, the mob also attacked the security personnel. The CISF personnel lathicharged to control the situation, in which a worker was injured.

Security has been beefed up at the project site following the incident. The situation is under control now.

“There was noting wrong in what the security personnel did. The disturbance perpetrated by workers was unjustified and uncalled for,” said additional superintendent of police Bijoy Kumar Sahu.

“Our forces are on alert to stop trespassers and unauthorised entry into the project site. Since more than 20,000 workers enter the construction site everyday, it has become imperative on our part to ensure the safety and security of those on duty,” said CISF assistant commandant Sasank Sekhar Mohanty.

Trade union rivalry often takes violent form in and around the IOCL project areas when the rival unions try to establish their supremacy. Most of the unions are at loggerheads with rival factions. At times, disturbances were perpetrated wilfully by unions under the grab of protecting workers’ rights and interest, said police sources.

“Demonstrations, agitation and resorting to violence without any reasonable ground has become an exceedingly disturbing trend that is hampering the refinery project work. The disturbances are mostly being perpetrated by anti-social elements enjoying patronage of dubious trade unions. The administration is keeping close watch on this trend,” said additional district magistrate Surajit Das.