Vedanta Demolished Worship Sites: Allegations of illegal activities by Vedanta Limited in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi district of Odisha, have surfaced repeatedly. These include accusations of atrocities against tribal communities, encroachment on their land, polluted waterlogging on tribal lands, and environmental pollution. In response, local tribals have staged protests and even gheraoed police stations.
In addition, another allegation has been made against Vedanta, which is entirely different from the previous ones. This time, the company has been accused of disrespecting the religious sentiments of the tribal community. Villagers near Vedanta’s Lanjigarh plant have protested, blocking roads leading to the company.
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According to the allegations, Vedanta employees demolished different tribal sacred sites in Kendubardi village, under Jagannathpur Panchayat in Lanjigarh block. Villagers claim that after demolished, company employees used the site for cooking and feasting. Furthermore, it is alleged that they deliberately removed deities’ idols, walked over the area wearing shoes and consumed alcohol and non-vegetarian food there, outraging the local tribal community.
Read More- Vedanta Red Mud Pond Issue: Angry Tribals closed the company gate
In protest, on November 18th, hundreds of villagers staged a sit-in on the main road connecting Jagannathpur and Kendubardi, effectively blocking the route to Vedanta’s main gate. Although the company attempted to mitigate the situation by pacifying the protesters, tensions remained high.
Upon receiving the news, Lanjigarh police arrived at the scene to mediate, but the villagers were not persuaded. The villagers demanded the immediate restoration and re-consecration of the sacred site. Although the protesters later dispersed from the road, it is reported that a larger gathering against Vedanta is being organized. The tribal community has made it clear that they will not easily accept any assault on their religious sentiments.
Read More- Vedanta in Trouble: Tribals vandalized police station, set fire
