India, Feb. 6 -- Tension erupted in Barapurugia village as residents, who lost their land due to the Lower Suktel project staged a protest, locking the office of the Chief Engineer of the project in Bolangir. The protestors, who alleged that they had not received compensation for their acquired land, took to the office early Wednesday morning, forcing a halt of operations. Authorities, including local police and the SDPO, had to reach the spot to address the grievances and reach a resolution.

Surendra Kumar Bhoi, Chief Engineer of the Lower Suktel project, said, "I arrive at the office around 8 am every day and leave around 7 pm in the evening. Today, around 9:30 am, I heard loud noises and went outside to investigate. I found the protes...