Cuttack and Bhubaneswar face milk shortage as OMFED drivers protest

Bhubaneswar, Dec 24: Milk distribution in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar faced significant disruptions on Tuesday due to a protest by contractual drivers of OMFED (Odisha State Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited). The drivers halted their work in response to the police arresting one of their colleagues.

The protest was triggered after Baranga police detained a driver for allegedly stealing milk. This action followed a complaint from OMFED authorities at the Naraj plant, who reported that over 100 liters of milk had been found in the driver’s van.

The strike at the Naraj plant led to a suspension of milk deliveries to both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, impacting local supply. OMFED Managing Director Vijay Amruta Kulange stated, “Recently, a milk van driver and an accomplice were caught stealing milk packets. An FIR was filed, and the police arrested the driver. However, his colleagues are protesting for his release, which has disrupted the milk supply.”

Customers and milk vendors in the affected areas expressed frustration over the situation and called for a quick resolution to restore milk supply.