Deputy inspector general Amitav Thakur (in white shirt) inquires about the condition of assistant sub-inspector Kali Charan Praharaj at MKCG on Monday. Picture by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Balangir, April 29: Police today arrested 16 persons, including a photojournalist, from the Lower Suktel Irrigation Project site, following a clash between the cops and anti-dam activists.

Several persons were injured in the clash.

Villagers of Pardhiapali obstructed officials of the Odisha Construction Corporation to begin the project work. They alleged that the administration had cheated them regarding disbursement of the relief amount.

A protester said the administration had assured them to pay the relief within seven days of the start of the project. “Twenty days have passed, but there is no relief,” he said. They, therefore, asked the officials to stop the work till the issue was settled. The officials, however, settled the matter, ensuring the villagers compensation by Wednesday.

But later, members members of the Lower Suktel Budi Anchal Sangram Parishad and the Zilla Adivasi Kalyan Sangh attacked the activists with spears, swords and lathis.

The anti-dam activists had opposed them, leading to a clash. The police beat up the protesters, attacked the photojournalist and snatched away his camera.

“They snatched away my camera and beat me with shoes and lathis,” said the photographer.

The police alleged that the cameraperson and another protester were instigating the Parishad members to resort to violence.

Balangir superintendent of police R. Prakash said: “The activists and the journalist had been camping in the area for the past two days and instigated people against the administration. They were asking the villagers to resort to violence,” Prakash said.

Prakash said prohibitory order was in force in the area. He also accused Ray of being a Maoist and said he had been arrested twice before for publishing and printing materials of maoist ideology.