Hazaribagh- A large mob allegedly vandalised the site office of a mining infrastructure company associated with NTPC’s Badam coal mining project in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district early on Tuesday, creating tension in the area.
Police said teams were immediately deployed to the spot and efforts are underway to restore normalcy.
The incident reportedly occurred around 5 a.m. when a large number of people gathered at the project site and damaged office property and infrastructure. Although extensive damage was caused to the premises, no injuries to employees or company officials have been reported.
The Badam coal block belongs to NTPC, while mining operations are being handled by a mine developer and operator (MDO). Since the project’s inception, disputes have persisted between local villagers and company authorities over land acquisition, displacement, rehabilitation, compensation and employment-related issues.
According to local residents, tensions had escalated recently after villagers affected by the project allegedly gheraoed company officials. The officials were later rescued following police intervention. Subsequently, an FIR was lodged against hundreds of villagers based on a complaint filed by the company, and several people were arrested and sent to jail, further aggravating local resentment.
On Tuesday morning, the crowd reportedly stormed the company’s site office and began damaging doors, windows, furniture and other office equipment. The incident triggered panic among employees and officials present at the premises, many of whom moved to safer locations.
Police personnel from Barkagaon police station reached the site shortly after receiving information about the attack. Station House Officer Deepak Singh said that unidentified individuals were involved in the vandalism.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area and questioning local residents to identify those responsible. Officials said the probe is looking into all possible angles, including ongoing protests related to the mining project, recent police action and other factors that may have contributed to the unrest.
Senior police officers, including the SDPO, also visited the site to review the situation.
The area remains tense, with additional police forces deployed as a precautionary measure. Authorities said the situation is under close watch and assured that strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the vandalism.
With inputs from IANS