SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 21: Giridih MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary today asserted that a false FIR has been lodged against him in connection with the violent clash at Hilltop Outsourcing Company’s Kharkhari Colliery and demanded a thorough probe into the incident.
Meeting with Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner
Choudhary met with Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Madhvi Mishra to discuss the situation and held the local management of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Area-3, responsible for the violent clash.
The AJSU MP accused BCCL management of disregarding the landowners’ (Raiyyat) demands before constructing a boundary wall on their land and failing to obtain necessary clearance from the Forest Department.
Details of the January 9 Clash
The violent clash occurred on January 9 in the Kharkhari Coliery area of Hilltop Outsourcing Company, under Madhuban police station area. SDPO Purushottam Kumar Singh was seriously injured while attempting to intervene. One group also set fire to Choudhary’s party office in Madhuban.
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Speaking to the media, Choudhary confirmed that he was in Delhi attending a Railway meeting during the incident, despite which an FIR was lodged against him. “On January 9, I was in Delhi attending a meeting of the Railway. Notwithstanding, an FIR was lodged against me for the incident. So I have demanded a thorough probe of the clash. I will also raise this issue in Lok Sabha,” said Choudhary.
Allegations Against BCCL Management and Outsourcing Company
Choudhary further emphasized that, just two days prior to the clash, he had urged the General Manager of BCCL not to commence work until the demands of the Raiyyat were addressed. However, the management proceeded with the construction work.
“It is a matter of investigation how the outsourcing company gave a contract to the person, Karu Yadav (the main accused in the violence), against whom several criminal cases are filed. In fact, Karu Yadav has established his supremacy in the colliery area with the help of BCCL and the administration. Police have recovered arms, ammunition, and illegal coal stock from his area,” Choudhary added.
Demand for a Thorough Investigation
The Giridih MP stressed that a full investigation was necessary to determine the circumstances that led to the violence and to hold those responsible accountable. He vowed to continue raising the issue at the national level to ensure justice is served.