Hazaribagh — A public hearing on NTPC’s Badam coal block in Barkagaon, Jharkhand, turned violent on Tuesday, leaving 15–20 people seriously injured, including NTPC officials, police personnel, and villagers.
The meeting, meant to address concerns of local landowners, was shifted at the last moment from Barkagaon block headquarters to Mahugai Kala, allegedly without informing all stakeholders. This sparked protests, with villagers marching to the new venue, where clashes broke out.
Protesters reportedly attacked NTPC General Manager A.K. Saxena, vandalised around 15 vehicles, and briefly held some officials hostage. Heavy police deployment is now in place, and authorities have warned of strict legal action against those involved. The region has a history of tension over land acquisition and mining projects.
With inputs from IANS