SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 9: A violent clash between two groups over the construction of a boundary wall by an outsourcing company at the Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) Kharkhari Colliery, under the Madhuban police station area, left Baghmara SDPO Purushottam Kumar Singh seriously injured on Thursday.
The escalating conflict also saw the torching of the party office of Giridih MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary during the bloody confrontation.
The clash, triggered by disagreements over compensation and jobs for land losers, spiralled into stone pelting, bombings, and firing. Both groups also set several motorcycles ablaze during the violence.
Police were dispatched to control the situation, leading to the arrest of two individuals involved in the incident. According to Madhuban Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Jaiprakash, the situation is now under control, and raids are being conducted in various locations to apprehend others connected to the clash.
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Clash Over Boundary Wall Construction
The conflict began in the morning when Hiltop Outsourcing Company started constructing a boundary wall in the Babudih area. Local land losers (Raiyat) opposed the construction, demanding compensation and employment. Another group supported the company’s actions, leading to tensions between the two sides.
The situation quickly escalated, with large-scale violence breaking out. Both groups resorted to stone pelting, bombings, and firing, intensifying the confrontation. Motorcycles belonging to members of both groups were set on fire in the chaos.
SDPO Injured While Controlling Violence
Upon receiving reports of the violence, SDPO Purushottam Kumar Singh arrived at the scene with a heavy police force to bring the situation under control. During the operation, a stone struck the SDPO on the forehead, causing serious injuries.
Following the SDPO’s injury, the groups dispersed, and additional police personnel from four nearby stations were deployed to restore order and apprehend the culprits.
Protests and Arson at MP’s Office
The situation worsened after police arrested Karu Yadav, a local leader associated with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Yadav’s supporters staged protests, pelting stones at the police.
The unrest culminated in an angry mob setting fire to the Kharkhari-based office of Giridih MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary, a member of the AJSU party.
It is notable that MP Choudhary had earlier urged the outsourcing company to suspend the boundary wall construction until the demands of the land losers were met. The area in question falls under his Giridih Lok Sabha constituency.
The situation remains tense but under control, as police continue their efforts to arrest those involved in the violent incident.
