Bhubaneswar, October 5, 2007: Four Executives of POSCO-India, who were detained by villagers of Dhinkia since morning on October 13, 2007, were released at about 4.30 pm on the same day.

These executives Mr. K.S. Choi, Mr. S.H. Nam, Mr. T.J. Ahn and Mr. Deepak Ojha were inspecting the probable route of electrical tower to be constructed in the area between IOCL and POSCO-India project site. When the executives got down around the sand hill area near IOCL and were in the process of physical inspection, 40/50 villagers from Dhinkia armed with wooden sticks forcibly took them to Dhinkia village along with the driver and the car.

They were detained in the Phulakhai temple in Dhinkia for almost 6 hours by villagers. After discussion with the villagers by the local police, the officials were released unharmed. After release, Mr. K.S.Choi, Sr. GM Construction, POSCO-India said that though he was roughed up and harrassed by the detainers he never deterred. He further said that he truly believes the project will bring a better life for villagers in the area and that strengthened his conviction.

POSCO-India condemns the incident and is deeply concerned about the safety and security of its officials. This sort of activities will de-motivate the investors and have adverse impact on foreign investments, which will not be in the larger interest of the people and the state.