Maoists attack sponge iron company

Suspected Maoists fired several rounds in the air at a sponge iron company near Jamshedpur in Saraikela-Kharswan district, sparking panic among the staff, police said on Thursday.

Suspected Maoists fired several rounds in the air at a sponge iron company near Jamshedpur in Saraikela-Kharswan district, sparking panic among the staff, police said on Thursday.

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Over 24 Maoists entered the premises of Narasingh Ispat Limited (NIL) in Chowka, around 40 km from here, from different entry points last night and attacked security guards there, they said, adding they also snatched away mobile phones of the employees.

Chandil Sub-Divisional Police Officer(SDPO) Mandan Mohan Lal said the Maoists were demanding that the owner of the company fulfil all demands of the locals.

However, he did not elaborate on the demands.

Lal said the Maoists had fired six to eight rounds in the air.

The manager of the company Punit Gupta told PTI that "the incident was a conspiracy hatched by people with vested interests".

A complaint has been lodged in this regard under Chowka police station, he said, adding the company has asked for adequate security for its employees