Bokaro: Tensions erupted in Bokaro on Thursday evening following a violent clash between displaced individuals and security forces, leading to the death of 26-year-old Prem Mahato a resident of Shibutand village of Harla police station and injuries to several others, including women. The injured were quickly rushed to Bokaro General Hospital (BGH) for medical treatment.
The protest, which took place near the ADM building, involved hundreds of displaced individuals demanding employment opportunities. The protesters, armed with sticks, blocked the road leading to both the ADM Building and Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), disrupting the flow of employees heading to work. Eyewitnesses reported that the protesters began assaulting workers and forced them to turn back, causing significant disruptions at the plant.
At approximately 5 pm, tensions escalated when protesters broke through barricades and attempted to enter the ADM Building. Security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), stationed at the building, intervened, but when the situation spiraled out of control, they resorted to using force in the form of a lathicharge to disperse the crowd.
Though the initial use of force temporarily calmed the situation, violence broke out again soon after. Protesters stopped a fire brigade vehicle and vandalized a CISF vehicle by smashing its windows. In response, CISF personnel launched another round of lathicharge.
As the unrest grew, additional security forces from Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) and CISF were deployed to manage the chaotic scene. Reports of a stampede among protesters further intensified the already volatile situation.
Political leaders quickly condemned the use of force by security personnel. Dumri MLA and Bokaro Congress MLA voiced their anger, stating, “The displaced people gave up their land, but when they demand their rights, they are met with lathicharges. The government must take responsibility for this tragic incident.”
The atmosphere in the area remains tense, with displaced individuals continuing to gather outside the ADM building. Despite efforts by the administration to calm the unrest by deploying additional police forces, the protest shows no signs of subsiding. There are growing concerns that the situation may escalate further.
The displaced community has vowed to continue their protest until their demands for justice are met, with increasing anger among the local population and mounting calls for government accountability.
