Wednesday, December 28 2005 15:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Panaji: Enraged over the pollution created by stone crushing units, residents today (Dec 28, 2005) allegedly lynched its owner Prithviraj Rane, who is the son of a local politician and nephew of Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane, in Saleli village, 40 kms from here, police said.

The villagers had been protesting over the pollution for a long time and had even taken out a rally last evening to the local police station, demanding action against the unit.

However, things turned for worse this morning as the villagers dragged out Prithviraj, son of former MGP leader Krishnarao Rane, out of his house, and killed him, police added.

"Prithviraj was killed by villagers and we are on the look out for the culprits," Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ujwal Mishra said.

Rane family had also lodged police complaint last evening stating that they were receiving threatening calls from a few villagers.

Stone crushing units owned by Rane family are located on a hillock in Saleli village, which, according to the villagers, was causing pollution.

Villagers had also complained to local Panchayat and Deputy Collector, seeking action against the crushers.

"However, situation in the village at present is under control and we have deployed adequate police force there," Mishra said.

Prithviraj's father Krishnarao is a former Zilla Panchayat member and had unsuccessfully fought state Legislative Assembly election from Poriem constituency on MGP ticket against Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane.