Maoists Torch Mining Vehicles in Hazaribagh; Youth Injured in Gunfire

Hazaribagh: Armed members of the banned Maoist group Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) set fire to two vehicles belonging to BGR Mining Company and opened indiscriminate fire on Sunday night in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, injuring a local youth and creating panic in the area, officials reported on Monday.

The incident occurred near Pagar-Pandu village under the jurisdiction of Keredari police station. BGR Mining is involved in coal extraction under the Khalari-Dakra (KD) project of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).

The attackers targeted vehicles parked at the site, setting them ablaze before fleeing into the nearby forest.

Eyewitnesses said the militants, part of an armed squad, fired randomly during the attack. One youth was injured in the gunfire and was taken to the hospital for treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.

Security forces recovered a pamphlet at the scene, allegedly issued by Kaushal, a sub-zonal commander of the TSPC. The note warned NTPC, CCL, L&T, and other contractors not to begin any operations without prior "permission" from the group. It also threatened harsher consequences for non-compliance.

In the pamphlet, the TSPC claimed it was acting in the interest of local tribal communities and the general public. The group accused the government of harassing innocent villagers under the guise of anti-Maoist operations and described its actions as resistance against exploitation.

Following the incident, a police team led by Pagar outpost in-charge Vicky Thakur reached the site and launched a search operation. Patrolling in the area has been stepped up, and several suspects are being questioned as part of the investigation.

The attack has caused fear among workers associated with mining operations in Keredari and nearby areas.

This incident follows a series of similar attacks in the region. In early May, Maoists burned six vehicles and two excavators at a mining site in Turisat village, Latehar district. Just a week ago, members of the People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) torched two vehicles, including a road roller, involved in a road construction project in Khunti district’s Rania area.

WIth inputs from IANS