Raigarh, Jan 4 (NationPress) Authorities have apprehended five suspects linked to the alarming attack on a female constable who was on duty during a chaotic anti-coal mining demonstration in the Tamnar block of Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh.

The individuals taken into custody are Mangal Rathia, Chinesh Khamari, Premsingh Rathia, Kirti Shriwas (all hailing from Amgaon village), and Vanmali Rathia from Jharna village.

Two additional suspects are still evading arrest. Previously, police had detained two individuals while three others remained at large. A case (Crime No. 309/25) has been filed at the Tamnar police station under severe sections of the Indian Penal Code and the IT Act, addressing life-threatening assaults, beatings with sticks and rods, use of abusive language, and violations of dignity.

The Raigarh police have confirmed that a thorough investigation is in progress, utilizing video evidence, social media insights, and eyewitness testimonies. Officials have stated, "No one involved, either directly or indirectly, will escape justice," committing to stringent measures.

A disturbing video depicting the female constable being attacked, with her uniform torn and her dignity violated, has circulated widely on social media, provoking widespread outrage.

This incident transpired on December 27, 2025, when residents from 14 affected regions protested against the Gare Pelma Sector-I coal block, allocated to Jindal Power Limited, leading to clashes with police who were attempting to disperse a road blockade at CHP Chowk in Libra village.

Protesters had been holding a sit-in since December 12, opposing a public hearing conducted on December 8 in Dhaurabhantha.

The viral footage reveals the constable pleading with her attackers, tears streaming down her face, and begging, "Don’t tear, bhai. I will not do anything. I did not hit anyone."

Despite her desperate pleas, the assailants—reportedly men—continued their assault, ripping her clothing while one recorded the incident. Separately, the in-charge of Tamnar police station, Kamla Pusam, was allegedly attacked by a group of female protesters, resulting in injuries and her losing consciousness.

The violence escalated to stone-pelting, police lathi-charge, arson against vehicles including a police bus, a jeep, and an ambulance, along with vandalism at the coal handling facility of Jindal Power.

Numerous police officers, including Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Anil Vishwakarma, suffered injuries.

The Chhattisgarh Congress has condemned the assault as "shameful," demanding an inquiry into a possible conspiracy to tarnish the movement. The district administration is moving forward with the cancellation of the mining project's public hearing.