THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Nov 5: At least three policemen were injured when an angry mob pelted stones at security personnel during protests against the reopening of a stone quarry in Rewa Ratu village, under the Lesliganj police station area of Palamu district. The incident created chaos at the site and temporarily halted quarry operations.
Violence Erupts During Quarry Reopening
Sources said the police had no indication that locals would resort to such violent resistance. As stones rained down on officers, law enforcement personnel struggled to bring the situation under control.
Lesliganj SDPO Manoj Kumar Jha confirmed the incident, saying, “A police contingent along with a magistrate had reached the Rewa Ratu stone quarry site, which was to be opened today as per orders of the Jharkhand High Court. However, locals gathered in large numbers and began pelting stones.”
Opposition Seen as Defiance of Court Order
Officials said the villagers’ opposition to the quarry’s reopening could amount to contempt of court, given the High Court’s directive.
Lesliganj police station in-charge Uttam Kumar Rai stated that around a dozen people involved in the stone pelting have been detained and are being interrogated.
“They will be booked under non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for obstructing police from carrying out their duties in compliance with the High Court’s order,” Rai said.
Mob Used Women and Children as Shields
Witnesses reported that the mob placed women and children in the front line while pelters attacked police from behind. The sudden violence led to injuries among the security personnel present on duty.
Two policemen sustain head injuries
Dr Rajiv Ranjan, medical officer in charge of the Lesliganj Community Health Centre, confirmed that two of the injured cops suffered head wounds.
“Both sustained cuts and required two stitches each. They were also given antibiotics and painkillers,” he said. Another policeman received minor injuries.
Police later restored order at the site, and security has been tightened to prevent further violence.