What Happened in Rajasthan? 40 Detained Amid Ethanol Factory Protests
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Synopsis
Tensions rise in Rajasthan as protests against the Dune Ethanol factory lead to the detention of Congress MLA Rupinder Singh Kunnar. With numerous arrests and injuries reported, farmers vow to continue their struggle until their demands are met. The situation has escalated to violence, prompting heavy police involvement.
Key Takeaways
- Protests against the ethanol factory in Hanumangarh are escalating.
- 40 individuals, including MLA Rupinder Singh Kunnar, were detained.
- Farmers vow to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.
- Violence has resulted in injuries among both police and protesters.
- The ethanol factory is expected to create numerous jobs.
Jaipur, Dec 11 (NationPress) The protests surrounding the Dune Ethanol Private Limited factory in Hanumangarh district escalated on Thursday, leading to the detention of Congress MLA Rupinder Singh Kunnar and several party members who were en route to a farmers’ assembly.
Despite the significant police presence, the meeting proceeded at the Gurdwara Singh Sabha complex in Tibbi, attracting a large turnout of women. Farmers emphasized their commitment to continue the protests until their demands are met. The police have filed cases against over 107 farmers and locals, resulting in 40 detentions due to violence on Wednesday.
Earlier, tensions heightened when protesters in Rathikheda village allegedly breached the boundary wall of the under-construction ethanol plant and set its office ablaze.
This incident led to intense stone-pelting between the police and farmers, resulting in injuries to 10-12 policemen and several protesters, including Sangaria MLA Abhimanyu Poonia. Many injured farmers sought refuge in a Gurdwara overnight.
As the situation remained tense, internet services were suspended in the Tibbi region on Thursday. Reports indicate that around 30 families residing near the factory have fled their homes out of concern.
Dune Ethanol Private Limited, based in Chandigarh, is constructing a 40-megawatt grain-based ethanol plant in Rathikheda, which the company claims will aid the Centre’s ethanol-blended petrol initiative.
While protests were generally peaceful from September 2024 to June 2025, anger mounted in July 2025 when the construction of the boundary wall commenced. Work resumed under police guard on November 19, leading to multiple arrests.
On November 20-21, approximately 67 farmers were arrested. The situation escalated on December 10 when hundreds of farmers advanced to the factory site with tractors after protesting outside the Tibbi SDM office, culminating in the breach of the wall and violent confrontations.
The ethanol facility is anticipated to create 700-800 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.
According to ADG VK Singh, “outsiders” instigated the violence. Singh noted that police maintained maximum restraint and refrained from using live ammunition.
The administration reported that 14 vehicles were set on fire, and police confirmed that over 36 officers were injured, five of them critically.
Point of View
It’s clear that the voices of the farmers are echoing loud and clear. The ongoing protests reflect deep-rooted concerns about local livelihoods and environmental impacts. A balanced approach is essential for resolving these tensions, ensuring that all stakeholders are heard while maintaining peace and order.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the protests in Hanumangarh?
The protests were sparked by concerns over the Dune Ethanol factory's construction and its potential impact on local farmers and the community.
How many people were detained during the protests?
Police detained 40 individuals, including Congress MLA Rupinder Singh Kunnar, during the protests.
What actions did the farmers take?
Farmers staged protests, marched to the factory site with tractors, and expressed their determination to continue the agitation until their demands are met.
What has been the impact of the protests?
The protests have led to violence, injuries among police and protesters, and the suspension of internet services in the affected areas.
What is the purpose of the ethanol factory?
The Dune Ethanol factory aims to support the Centre's ethanol-blended petrol program and is expected to generate several job opportunities.
