Police resorted to a lathicharge on Monday to disperse 108 Ambulance workers, who were in sitting in a dharna before the RDC office here, demanding release of the 358 staffs arrested under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).
The agitating staff also demanded sacking of the private agencies engaged in operating the ambulance services.
The 108 ambulance staff from 27 districts congregated here to protest against the arrest of their colleagues.
They threatened to continue their agitation till their demands are met, informed sources.
Sambalpur ASP Amarendra Rana said police tried to pacify the protestors but as they hurled stones at them the police dispersed them.
Rana said presently the situation is under control but two platoons of police are deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
Two police personnel and an agitator were injured during the clash.