Jaipur, Dec 11 (NationPress) As protests regarding the ethanol factory in the Tibbi region of Hanumangarh, Rajasthan intensified, internet services were suspended, and a significant police presence was deployed to ensure law and order on Thursday.

Since early morning, a gathering of farmers has assembled at a Gurudwara near the protest site, raising fears of further escalation.

On Wednesday, tensions escalated dramatically following protests against the ethanol plant. The demonstration, which had been active for the past 15 months, turned violent after a Mahapanchayat (grand meeting).

Thousands of demonstrators breached barricades, gained access to the factory premises, and caused widespread destruction. Several areas were vandalized, and approximately 14 vehicles were set ablaze.

Law enforcement attempted to control the situation by deploying tear gas shells and using minimal force, but protestors retaliated by throwing bricks and stones.

Nearly three dozen individuals were injured, including 24 police officers and around 12 protestors. Three law enforcement personnel were reported to be in critical condition.

Despite police efforts, the crowd grew increasingly aggressive. MLA Abhimanyu Poonia sustained head injuries during the clashes and was taken to the Government District Hospital in Hanumangarh. Large numbers of protestors remained inside and outside the factory premises until late into the evening, maintaining a tense atmosphere.

During the Mahapanchayat held outside the SDM office on Wednesday morning, a significant turnout from farmer organizations, village women, youth, and farmer unions was noted.

Farmer leaders demanded an immediate halt to construction activities and insisted that the plant's operations should not proceed until a formal agreement was established with them. They cautioned that if no response was received by 2 p.m., a march to the factory would ensue.

When the administration failed to provide any written assurance, the crowd broke through barricades and entered the factory premises. Within the factory, protestors used tractors to demolish walls, set fire to office structures and machinery, and vandalized vehicles parked outside. Stones were hurled at police positioned in the security cordon.

Despite numerous warnings, the protestors did not disperse, prompting police to deploy tear gas shells. Throughout the day, injured individuals were transported to the town's community health center. Among the 36 injured, 24 were police officers, and 12 were protestors.

Several officers suffered serious head and shoulder injuries. MLA Abhimanyu Poonia was referred to Hanumangarh for further treatment. Due to the potential for further violence, internet services were disabled starting Tuesday night. A heavy police presence has been maintained since Wednesday morning, and the local market has remained closed.

Farmers' organizations from Punjab and Haryana also joined the protest in large numbers, significantly increasing the crowd size. Additional police forces were summoned from surrounding districts to help manage the situation.

Thousands of farmers continued to assemble inside and outside the factory premises late into Wednesday night.

Tension persisted in the area on Thursday, with the administration urging the public to uphold peace.