Fire mishap in protest camp against Vizag Steel privatisation, foul play suspected

VISAKHAPATNAM: The relay hunger strike camp set up by the all-party trade unions and praja sangala JAC gutted in the early hours on Sunday.

Fire engulfed the tent, which was set up with thatched leaves, and fire tenders brought the fire under control. JAC leaders suspected that the tent was set afire by some miscreants deliberately. They said there was no scope for short circuit. They said they would chalk out the future course of action soon.

JAC chairman Jaggu Naidu condemned the torching of the hunger strike camp tent where they were staging a protest with the support of all trade unions and people’s organisations for the last 52 days against the Centre’s decision of strategic sale of RINL, the corporate entity of VSP.

He said the fire was noticed by some walkers at 5 am and they immediately alerted the fire department and CITU city secretary RKSV Kumar informed the police.

He said they had been holding peaceful protests at the camp since April 24 and added they would not stop the agitation even if there are obstacles.

JAC leaders led by Jaggu Naidu lodged a complaint with the Two Town police.Speaking to TNIE, DCP Aiswarya Rastogi said they received the information in the early hours about the incident.

Police teams collected evidence. Stating that there may not be sabotage angle, he said they were suspecting involvement of some trouble-mongers.

Meanwhile, Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee chairman D Adinarayana condemned the action of miscreants.