Ex-MLA Amba Prasad demands probe into clash during public hearing in Barkagaon

Barkagaon: Former MLA Amba Prasad has called for a high-level investigation into a clash that occurred during a public hearing over a coal project in Barkagaon on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Prasad alleged that the Adani Group invited outsiders to the hearing, bypassing local residents who oppose the project, in an attempt to get it approved. He warned that if locals had not acted cautiously, the situation could have escalated further.

Prasad also accused certain local forces of colluding with the company and criticized local BJP MLA Raushan Lal Chaudhary for arriving several hours late, despite being notified a month in advance.

The incident took place at a public hearing organized by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board at a football ground in Gondalpura, Barkagaon block, where a clash broke out between groups of villagers. Chaos ensued, and the atmosphere turned violent, despite extensive preparations for the hearing.

When approached for comment, the Adani Group did not respond to the allegations.