Two cases filed over Banshkhali power plant clash

Two cases have been filed against more than 2,500 people over the Saturday's clash at the Gandamara coal-fired power plant in Chattogram's Banshkhali upazila that left five workers dead.

Police lodged a case against 2,500 unnamed people on allegations of attack and obstructing from performing duties.

While the power plant's coordinator Faruk Ahmed filed another case against 70 people mentioning 22 names alleging vandalism, arson and attack.

Shafiul Karim, officer-in-charge of Banshkhali Police Station confirmed the matter to the media today.

Meanwhile, at least 30 injured workers are undergoing treatment at different hospitals. The bodies of five workers have been kept at Chittagong Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

The constrictions of the power plant remained halted since the clash. Besides, tension mounting in the area as workers and locals fear arrest in the cases. 

Two probe committees were formed by police and district administration yesterday after the clash. They will submit the reports within seven working days.

S Alam Group authorities have announced to give Tk3 lakh to the families of each of the five deceased workers as compensation and Tk50,000 to each of the injured workers.

Five people were shot dead and dozens injured, as workers clashed with police at an under-construction power plant owned by the S Alam Group and China-based SEPCO3, at Banshkhali in Chattogram on Saturday.

The workers were staging a protest with several demands, including raising wages, reducing work hours, and alleged discrimination.

On information from the plant authorities, police rushed to the spot to control the situation. When the demonstrators became violent, police opened fire to bring the situation under control.