Bhubaneswar, Dec 24: Milk supply to the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar was significantly disrupted on Tuesday due to a protest by contractual drivers of the Odisha State Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited (OMFED). The protest was sparked by the arrest of a fellow driver by the Baranga police for alleged milk pilferage.
Sources indicate that the unrest began after police detained the driver following a complaint from the OMFED Naraj plant authorities, who reported that over 100 liters of milk had been recovered from his van. In response, OMFED drivers staged a cease-work protest at the Naraj plant, halting milk deliveries to Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and surrounding areas.
OMFED Managing Director Vijay Amruta Kulange explained, “A milk van driver and his associate were caught stealing milk packets a few days ago. An FIR was filed, and the police arrested him, but his colleagues have protested for his release, affecting milk supply.”
Customers and milk booth owners in the region expressed their frustration over the supply disruption, urging a swift resolution to the issue so that normal milk deliveries can resume. The situation highlights the delicate balance between operational integrity and employee solidarity within OMFED.
Protest by OMFED drivers disrupts milk supply in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar
