Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered a high-level investigation into the violent clashes between police and villagers in the Tamnar area of Raigarh district. The Chief Minister on Sunday assured that strict legal action would be initiated against all those found guilty following the inquiry.
The unrest stems from ongoing protests by residents of 14 villages against a coal mining project in the region. Villagers have alleged that the public hearing held for the Gare Pelma coal block was “fraudulent.” A peaceful sit-in at CHP Chowk in Libra had earlier brought the movement of heavy mining vehicles to a complete standstill.
The situation turned violent on Saturday when a police team arrived to clear the protest site. Tensions escalated after some protesters were detained, leading to a mob allegedly attacking personnel and setting fire to a bus and another vehicle.
Several police officers, including Tamnar station in-charge and sub-inspector Kamala Pusam, sustained injuries in the stone-pelting. Police have since detained approximately 35 individuals in connection with the arson and assault.
Compounding the local anger, a villager on a bicycle was reportedly injured in a collision with a heavy vehicle near Khurushlenga village shortly after the road was cleared. When SI Pusam and her team reached the accident spot, they were again targeted by a crowd armed with sticks and stones.
Describing the incident as a serious breach of peace, Chief Minister Sai stated that a fair and impartial probe would cover all aspects of the conflict. He asserted that while legitimate grievances would be heard, those responsible for disrupting law and order and attacking uniformed personnel would face the full force of the law.