Tensions surrounding the transportation of ash from the NTPC Power Plant in Darlipali, located in the Lefripada block of Sundaragada district, erupted into violence today, resulting in one fatality.
The victim has been named as Sunil Neti, commonly known as Pilu, who lived in Darlipali village.
Reports indicate that the conflict stemmed from extortion demands related to fly ash transport. A truck owners’ association was allegedly imposing a fee of Rs 200 per truck operating out of the NTPC facility, leading to significant unrest among local transporters.
The situation escalated about a month ago with the establishment of a new union called “Raija” in Darlipali village, which ignited fierce competition for dominance over ash transport operations between the existing union and the new group.
The rivalry reached a breaking point today when a member of the old union, reportedly from Tileimal village in the adjacent Jharsuguda district, shot at a rival group member. Pilu was struck in the chest and was quickly taken to Sundaragada Medical College and Hospital, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Community members stated that this tragic event followed multiple warning signs that had gone largely ignored. Just weeks earlier, the same assailant had allegedly come to Darlipali with 25 to 30 youths on motorcycles, firing shots into the air to intimidate residents and assert control. Locals expressed frustration over local law enforcement’s inaction after the earlier incident, which they believe emboldened the attackers and contributed to today’s violence.
As anger grows within the community, residents are urging that urgent action be taken by the authorities against those responsible to prevent further escalation of conflict in the area. Police have initiated an investigation into the shooting.
