Protesters Allege CISF Used Lathi-Charge Against Displaced Persons at Korba Coal Mine

In Chhattisgarh, a farmers organisation claims that the CISF lathi-charged peaceful protesters at the Gevra coal mine. The protesters were demanding employment and rehabilitation, with several injuries reported.

A farmers' group has accused the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) of using force against displaced individuals protesting at the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Korba, Chhattisgarh. The SECL, however, stated that some individuals entered a restricted area at its Gevra mine, attempting to disrupt coal operations.

Chhattisgarh Kisan Sabha's state joint secretary, Prashant Jha, claimed that CISF personnel used batons on the protesters who were peacefully demanding jobs, rehabilitation, and compensation at the Gevra mine. He mentioned that several people, including Kisan Sabha district secretary Deepak Sahu and other leaders, sustained injuries.

Protesters Demand Accountability

Following the incident, the injured protesters were allegedly taken to the police station against their will. Upon hearing this, villagers gathered in large numbers at the Dipka police station, insisting on filing a case against the officer responsible for ordering the baton charge.

SECL's Public Relations Officer, Sanish Chandra, explained that between 10 am and 11 am, protesters from Naraibodh-Bhathora village entered the Gevra mine. They attempted to interfere with coal production and transportation in an area where heavy machinery is operational.

CISF's Actions Under Scrutiny

Chandra noted that when the protesters disrupted work, a CISF team intervened to stop them and tried to send them back. The situation escalated from there. Dipka police station in-charge Premchand Sahu stated that a baton charge typically requires an Executive Magistrate's order. He added that the CISF's authority within SECL premises is currently under investigation.

An inquiry is ongoing to determine whether proper procedures were followed during the incident. The investigation aims to clarify the extent of CISF's powers in such situations within SECL premises.

With inputs from PTI