Congress Leader's Residence Demolished in Hazaribag for NTPC Coal Project Expansion
In a significant development in Hazaribag, authorities carried out the demolition of the Joradag residence belonging to former agriculture minister and senior Congress leader Yogendra Saw on Thursday. This action was taken to facilitate the expansion of the National Thermal Power Corporation's (NTPC) Chatti Bariatu coal mining project located in the Keredari block.
Heavy Security Deployment and Political Allegations
A substantial contingent of police and administrative officials was deployed at the site as the demolition drive commenced, transforming the area into what witnesses described as a virtual cantonment. Present during the operation were key officials including Barkagaon DSP Pawan Kumar and district transport officer Baijnath Kamti, among others.
Saw's daughter, Amba Prasad, who previously served as the Barkagaon MLA, strongly condemned the demolition, labeling it as unjust and accusing both the administration and the state government of wrongdoing. "I have full faith in the judiciary and will approach the court for legal action," she asserted, highlighting the family's intention to pursue judicial recourse.
Compensation Dispute and NTPC's Position
Yogendra Saw himself took to social media platform 'X' to criticize the move, alleging that his house was demolished without proper compensation being provided. He raised concerns about the fairness of the process and the valuation of his property.
NTPC officials provided their perspective on the matter, stating that the land where Saw's house stood falls under the Joradag mauza and was originally registered in the name of Rajdeep Sao, a resident of Joradag village. While the land was later registered in Saw's name in 2010, officials noted that the mutation process was never completed.
According to NTPC, compensation for the structures—including the chimney, boundary wall, and building—was assessed by the building division. The company claims that Saw was asked to accept this compensation but allegedly demanded a combined amount for both the house and other structures, including his firebrick factory which was demolished in 2025 on the same land.
Official Statements and Financial Details
NTPC AGM Nilamadhab Swain confirmed the demolition, explaining, "After he failed to accept the compensation despite repeated notices, the company deposited Rs 1.97 crore with the state government in June 2025." This substantial amount was intended to cover the assessed value of the structures affected by the project expansion.
Barkagaon DSP Pawan Kumar reported that the demolition was carried out peacefully, with no major incidents reported during the operation. The presence of hundreds of security personnel ensured that the process proceeded without disruption, though it drew significant attention from local residents and political observers.
Broader Context and Implications
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between development projects and property rights in regions undergoing industrial expansion. The Chatti Bariatu coal mining project represents a significant infrastructure initiative for NTPC, while the demolition raises questions about compensation procedures and land acquisition protocols.
The case is expected to proceed through legal channels as Saw's family pursues their claims in court. The outcome may set precedents for how similar disputes are handled in the future, particularly concerning compensation for properties affected by large-scale development projects.
