Mob Vandalises NTPC Coal Project Office in Hazaribagh, Tension Prevails

Hazaribagh- Tension gripped parts of Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district on Tuesday after a large group of people allegedly vandalised the site office of a mining infrastructure company engaged in the Badam coal mining project of NTPC.

According to police, the incident occurred at around 5 a.m., when a crowd gathered at the project site and damaged office property and infrastructure. While significant losses to property were reported, no injuries to employees or officials have been reported so far.

The Badam coal block is owned by NTPC, while mining operations are being carried out by a mine developer and operator (MDO). The project has witnessed prolonged disputes between local villagers and company authorities over issues such as land acquisition, displacement, rehabilitation, compensation and employment opportunities for affected families.

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Local residents claimed that tensions had intensified in recent weeks after villagers affected by the project staged a protest and allegedly gheraoed company officials. Police later intervened to rescue the officials. Following the incident, an FIR was reportedly lodged against hundreds of villagers, and several people were arrested and sent to jail, further escalating resentment among residents.

On Tuesday morning, a large number of people reportedly reached the company’s site office and began vandalising the premises. Doors, windows, furniture and other office assets were damaged during the attack. The sudden violence created panic among employees and company officials, many of whom moved to safer locations.

Personnel from Barkagaon Police Station rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident and assessed the situation.

Barkagaon police station in-charge Deepak Singh said that unidentified individuals were involved in the vandalism. Police are examining CCTV footage from the area and questioning local residents to identify those responsible.

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Officials said the investigation is exploring all possible angles, including ongoing protests linked to the mining project, recent police action against villagers and other factors that may have triggered the unrest.

Senior police officers, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), also visited the site and reviewed the law-and-order situation.

Additional security personnel have been deployed in the project area, and the district administration is closely monitoring developments. Police have assured that those found involved in the vandalism will be identified and appropriate legal action will be taken against them.

With inputs from IANS

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