Sambalpur, June 9: Tension prevailed in Belpahar area of Jharsuguda district today following last evening’s police firing in which two workers of a private coal transport company were killed.

The police firing took place at the office of Renuka Coal Carrier Private Limited located at Jurabaga, around 10 kilometres away from Belpahar industrial town.

“The agitators attacked the police staff there. They even poured diesel on the premises of the office with an intention to set it on fire,” said Sambalpur police superintendent Prateek Mohanty, who is also in charge of Jharsuguda district.

“We were protesting in front of the office of Renuka Coal Carrier Private Limited peacefully while the firing took place. The police suddenly started firing,” said Prakash Baddora, an agitator who is undergoing treatment at the VSS Medical College and Hospital.

Two persons died and at least 10 agitators sustained serious injuries in the firing. The deceased have been identified as Abinash Soren and Gurva Hembrum. Abinash died on the spot while Gurva succumbed to his injury at the VSS Medical College and Hospital. Local legislator Anup Sai termed the incident as “unfortunate” and demanded an impartial inquiry.

The general manager of the Renuka Coal Carrier Private Limited, Samaya Singh, said: “The deceased will be given compensation each following government norms. The company will also give Rs 2 lakh extra to the family of the workers who lost their lives in the incident. The company will bear the treatment cost of the injured persons.”