Unrest Unfolds in Bokaro Following Protester’s Fatality; Vehicles Set Ablaze, Bokaro Steel Plant CGM Detained
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Synopsis
Violence erupted in Bokaro following the death of a protester during a CISF lathi charge. The incident led to vehicle arson, the arrest of the Bokaro Steel Plant CGM, and a city-wide bandh as protesters demanded job opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Unrest in Bokaro due to protester’s death.
- Vehicles set on fire during clashes.
- Bokaro Steel Plant CGM arrested for involvement.
- District administration agreed to key demands of protesters.
- Compensation and job offers made to deceased’s family.
Bokaro, April 4 (NationPress) Unrest broke out in Bokaro after a young man perished due to a lathi charge executed by the CISF on members of the Visthapit Apprentice Sangh (VAS) who were rallying outside the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) demanding employment.
In light of the violent confrontations, the police, under the directive of Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Jadhav, detained BSL Chief General Manager (CGM) Hari Mohan Jha on Friday.
The unrest escalated during a Bokaro bandh organized by various factions, resulting in arson and property damage.
Protesters set ablaze five vehicles, including three buses, and inflicted damage on numerous others.
In Dundibagh Haat, a shop was ignited but firefighters managed to control the flames. Nonetheless, roadways across the city were obstructed, and businesses were forced to close.
Compounding the situation, protesters breached the canal of Tenughat Dam, which provides water to Bokaro, raising concerns about a possible water crisis.
To ease tensions, the district administration and BSL officials conceded to the primary demands of the VAS.
As per the agreement, BSL will establish positions for all apprentice trainees who have completed their training, with these roles to be filled within a three-month timeframe.
The family of the deceased will receive Rs 20 lakh in compensation and a government job for one family member. The injured individuals will receive complimentary medical treatment at Bokaro General Hospital, alongside Rs 10,000 as compensation.
Additionally, VAS youths will be offered coaching services for skill development. A monthly meeting will take place with BSL representatives, alongside the District Planning Officer and Additional Collector, to address further issues.
A committee has been established to investigate the CISF's use of force, reviewing CCTV footage from BSL's administration building and other sources, including media recordings.
The unrest began on Thursday evening when VAS members, advocating for jobs, protested at the Steel Bhawan entrance. Around 5 p.m. that day, protesters broke through barricades, leading CISF personnel to respond with a lathi charge.
Four protesters sustained injuries, among them Prem Mahato (32) from Shibutand village, who later died from his injuries during medical care. His passing ignited widespread anger, culminating in the Bokaro bandh.
Numerous political parties, such as the AJSU Party and Jharkhand Loktantrik Kranti Morcha, participated in the protest. Bokaro Congress MLA Shwettaa Singh and Dumri MLA Jairam Mahato joined the streets, causing roadblocks throughout the city.
