Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: Tension gripped the Darlipali area of Sundargarh district after angry locals set fire to the office of the Union Fly Ash Truck Owners’ Association on Friday, a day after a 30-year-old youth was allegedly shot dead in a clash over fly ash transportation.

The deceased, identified as Sunil Neti of Barobaga village under Bhasma police limits, was allegedly shot during a confrontation near the fly ash dyke of NTPC’s Darlipali power plant on Thursday evening.

According to Sundargarh Superintendent of Police Amritpal Kaur, the incident took place around 6.30 pm when two rival groups clashed near the office of an NGO. Firing broke out during the confrontation, leaving Sunil critically injured. He was immediately rushed to Sundargarh Government Medical College and Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Preliminary reports suggest that the dispute stemmed from rivalry over the transportation of fly ash from the Darlipali Super Thermal Power Project. A group associated with an NGO, Regional Initiative for Social Empowerment (RISE), was reportedly seeking a share in the transportation business.

Following the killing, locals ransacked the association's office before setting it ablaze on Friday. Protesters also prevented a fire brigade vehicle from reaching the spot and demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved in the killing.

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