Bhubaneswar, Dec. 13 -- Tension prevailed in the Banki area of Cuttack district on Saturday after villagers staged a protest in front of a private company, alleging that the discharge of toxic effluents led to the death of several cows.

Residents of Nuasahi village under Bansara Panchayat placed the carcasses of two dead cows at the main gate of the company as part of their demonstration, demanding immediate action.

According to the villagers, poisonous water released from the company premises had contaminated nearby water sources, resulting in the death of livestock. Locals claimed that four cows had died till now after consuming the polluted water. With two more cows reportedly dying on Saturday, public anger against the company escal...