Garhwa Police Register FIR Against 84 Named and 400 Unidentified Persons for Violent NH-343 Protests
In a significant development, the police in Garhwa district have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 84 named individuals and 400 unidentified persons in connection with the violent protests that erupted on National Highway-343. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, involved agitators blocking the Garhwa-Ambikapur stretch of the highway for over five hours, leading to a clash with law enforcement authorities.
Background of the Protest and Key Demands
The protests were sparked by a tragic road accident on the night of April 15, which claimed the lives of two young men from Mahuliya village: Rahul Chaudhary, aged 26, and Nand Lal, also 26. Demonstrators took to NH-343 to demand compensation for the families of the deceased, expressing frustration over what they perceived as inadequate response from authorities. The blockade severely disrupted traffic and drew immediate police intervention.
Escalation of Violence and Police Response
As police personnel from the Town police station attempted to clear the blockade, the situation quickly escalated. Protesters reportedly began pelting stones at the officers, resulting in injuries to thirteen police personnel. Among those injured was Sunil Kumar Tiwari, the officer-in-charge of the Town police station. In retaliation, the police resorted to baton-charging and firing several rounds in the air to disperse the agitated mob. A police vehicle was also damaged during the clash, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation.
Legal Actions and Arrests Following the Incident
Superintendent of Police Aman Kumar provided detailed updates on the legal measures taken in response to the violence. Cases have been registered at the Town police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The FIR specifically targets 84 named individuals and 400 unidentified persons involved in the protest.
In a swift follow-up, police have made multiple arrests. Twelve people were apprehended on Thursday night immediately after the incident. On Friday, an additional fourteen individuals were sent to jail, bringing the total number of arrests to twenty-six. Furthermore, authorities seized 24 motorcycles from the protest site, which will be used to identify their owners and potentially link them to the violence.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This incident underscores the growing tensions in the region over issues of road safety and compensation for accident victims. The police are continuing their investigations to identify the remaining unnamed individuals and gather evidence against all accused parties. The use of stringent legal provisions like the BNS and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act indicates a firm stance by authorities against such violent demonstrations.
Local residents and community leaders have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the demand for compensation while condemning the violence. The situation remains under close monitoring as authorities work to restore order and address the underlying grievances that led to the protest.
