Clashes erupt at NTPC’s Badam coal block public hearing in Jharkhand; 15–20 injured

Hazaribagh — What began as a routine public consultation on the Badam coal block project in Barkagaon, Jharkhand, spiralled into chaos on Tuesday, leaving nearly two dozen people injured and several vehicles damaged.

The coal block, allotted to NTPC and developed through an outsourcing firm, has been a point of contention among local villagers. The public hearing, intended to address landowners’ grievances, was initially planned at the Barkagaon block headquarters but was shifted at the last minute to Mahugai Kala. Officials reportedly failed to inform all stakeholders of the change, angering villagers.

Protesters first gathered at local administrative offices, then marched to the new venue. There, tensions exploded into violence, with clashes between villagers and police. NTPC’s Badam General Manager A.K. Saxena and several officers were assaulted, and around 15 government and police vehicles were vandalised. Some officials were allegedly held hostage before police reinforcements restored order.

All injured individuals have been hospitalised. The district administration has appealed for calm, while police have launched an investigation to identify and prosecute those involved. Barkagaon has a long history of unrest linked to mining and land acquisition disputes.

With inputs from IANS