Three cops injured in stone-pelting during NH-39 eviction drive

PNS

Daltonganj

Three police personnel, including a woman constable, were injured after a mob allegedly pelted stones at a police contingent during an eviction and demolition drive for the NH-39 expansion project at Chiyanki in Jharkhand’s Palamu district on Thursday morning.

The violence erupted while the district administration was overseeing the voluntary dismantling of houses and structures falling within an 800-metre stretch required for the completion of the remaining portion of National Highway-39. Officials said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning unlawful assembly and other activities, had been in force since Wednesday.

According to police, unidentified miscreants suddenly began hurling stones and brick pieces at around 60 to 65 police personnel deployed at the site. Despite the attack, police exercised restraint and avoided any aggressive retaliation, officials said.

Senior surgeon at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), Dr Sushil Pandey, said one policeman sustained a head injury and was admitted to the hospital, while another constable and woman constable Priya Singh suffered minor injuries and were discharged after first aid. The injured policeman’s condition is stated to be stable.

SDPO Rajesh Yadav said normalcy had been restored and demolition work resumed with cooperation from affected landowners. He warned that those responsible for violating prohibitory orders and instigating the violence would face strict legal action.

Officials said 69 landowners are affected by the highway project, with many having already received compensation, although some residents alleged that the compensation for their houses and structures was inadequate and undervalued. Police have launched an investigation and are preparing to register cases against those involved in the stone-pelting under relevant non-bailable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).