Bhubaneswar: The recent death of a goat proved too costly for Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL).
According to a statement issued by the MCL, the Miniratna Subsidiary Company of Coal India Limited suffered a loss of Rs 2.68 crore as locals staged a demonstration demanding Rs 60,000 after the goat got killed in an accident with a coal transportation tipper.
The agitators from neighbouring village stalled coal transportation and despatch work at Jaganath Sidings number 1 and 2 at Talcher coalfields from 11 am on Monday, it said.
Work resumed only at 2.30 pm after senior officials and the police intervened, the statement added.
The MCL lost Rs 1.4 crore on account of coal transportation to the sidings and Rs 1.28 crore on account of despatch through the Railways during the three-and-half-hour agitation.
In addition to this, the government exchequer also suffered a loss of Rs 46 lakh because of the illegal obstruction of work.
An FIR has been lodged at the local police station demanding action against the agitators, the statement added.
(With inputs from new agencies)
