Bhubaneswar, April 29 -- Tension flared in Talagaja village under Puintala police limits in Bolangir district on Wednesday after villagers staged a protest alleging high-handedness by a crusher owner and biased police action. The situation escalated after police detained five villagers, triggering anger among locals.

According to sources, a man identified as Pitabas Mishra has been constructing a stone crusher unit near the village and close to a public road. Villagers are strongly opposing the project, citing concerns over safety, environmental impact, and disturbance to daily life. They claim that location of the crusher poses risks to residents and commuters.

Locals said they had repeatedly raised objections and even submitted a writ...