Mukesh Ambani promoted Reliance Fresh’s attempt to open an outlet at Kalpana Square in Orissa hit the hurdles on Sunday when at least 50 members of the All Orissa Roadside Vendors’ and Small-Shops Association (Arova) gathered in front of the outlet and picketed it. Arova president Pratap Sahoo alleged that Reliance Fresh authorities had hired local goons to terrorise the agitating roadside vendors and small shop owners.
Stating that Arova had lodged a first information report with the Laxmi Sagar police against the Reliance Fresh, the Arova chief said his organisation would resort to large-scale protests unless action was taken against the company for hiring goons to attack the roadside vendors and small shop owners. The outlet — which was opened at around 11.30 am, was forced to down its shutters after two-and-half hours of business.
Inspector of Laxmi Sagar police station Dilip Dash said there was no major untoward incident as the police kept a strict vigil over the activities of Arova members. "There was absolutely no untoward incident. There was normal business in the outlet till 2 pm. It closed only when the Arova members led by one Sangram Sahoo arrived at Kalapana Square and held demonstrations," he said.
Arova president however, disowned the police version and claimed that there was no transaction in the newly opened Reliance Fresh outlet. "The hired goons of Reliance Fresh — who were mostly picked up from Patia, Jharpada and Laxmi Sagar area — chased the members of Arova and threatened to attack with sharp weapons. However, when our members tried to retaliate, they went away," said Mr Sahoo.
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