What Happened During the Attack on Jharkhand Police Reopening a Stone Mine?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four police officers were injured during the attack.
- The stone mine in Rewaratu was closed due to local dissent.
- The operation was resumed following a High Court directive.
- A significant police presence has been established to maintain order.
- Legal actions are expected against those involved in the violence.
Palamu (Jharkhand), Nov 5 (NationPress) A violent situation unfolded in the Lesliganj police station area of Palamu, Jharkhand, on Wednesday when a police and administrative team faced a brutal attack while trying to reopen a stone mine that had been inactive for several months.
Four police officers sustained injuries during the assault, with three suffering serious wounds, as reported by officials.
The injured personnel were quickly transported to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), while one was admitted to the Lesliganj Community Health Centre, according to authorities.
Among the injured were constable Awadhesh Paswan and havildar Mahendra Dubey.
Officials indicated that the stone mine in Rewaratu had been closed due to local dissent. However, following a directive from the Jharkhand High Court to resume operations, the district administration made the decision to restart mining activities with police protection on Wednesday.
Once the joint police-administration team arrived at the site, a mob of approximately 200-250 villagers and anti-social elements, armed with sticks and traditional weapons, unexpectedly launched an attack.
The team, taken by surprise, incurred injuries while attempting to manage the situation.
Senior police and district officials promptly arrived at the scene after receiving updates.
A significant police presence has since been established in the area to avert further incidents. Officials confirmed that the situation is now stabilized.
Uttam Kumar Rai, the Lesliganj Police Station in charge, stated, “In adherence to the High Court’s ruling, the administrative team proceeded to restart stone mining operations when the villagers suddenly assaulted us.”
In the meantime, villagers contended that the entire community should not be held accountable for the violence, asserting that the disturbance was instigated by a faction of anti-social elements looking to provoke conflict.
The administration has begun reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses to identify those responsible for the attack.
Police officials announced that those accountable for the assault on government personnel will be subject to strict legal action.