Rourkela: An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of police was killed and four policemen were seriously injured in a mob attack while trying to execute an arrest warrant at a village in Sundargarh district. DGP Prakash Mishra today announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of the deceased and job to one of his family members.

The incident took place last night when a seven-member police team led by ASI Nabin Patel went to tribal-dominated Durbahal village to arrest one Ballabh Sahoo, wanted in a case of assault of employees of Wesco some months ago. When the person was apprehended, he raised an alarm and other villagers attacked the police party with traditional weapons and injured four policemen.

While the rest of the police team managed to escape, the ASI and the home guard Birendra Sahu were caught by the mob and assaulted, IG of police (Western Range) Y K Jethwa said. The villagers then tied the two to the seats of the jeep and pushed it to a nearby bridge from where it rolled into the swollen Badjore river.

The vehicle was soon swept away by the strong river current. The home guard managed to free himself and swam to safety, but the ASI, who is believed to have succumbed to his injuries, could not be traced last night.

Police in the meanwhile have arrested six persons, including the elder brother of the arrested man, in connection with the incident, the SP informed.

The body of the ASI was later taken to the district headquarters office where a guard of honour was given to him. The police have arrested six persons, including the elder brother of the arrested man, in connection with the incident, the SP added.