Former Jharkhand Congress Minister and Wife Arrested for Alleged NTPC Protest Disruption
In a significant development in Hazaribag, former Jharkhand Congress minister Yogendra Sao and his wife, Nirmala Devi, a former MLA from Barkagaon, were taken into police custody on Thursday. The arrest was made by Keredari police from their native village Pagar, following allegations of obstructing coal production, sale, and dispatch operations of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).
Police Action and Allegations
Officer-in-charge Ganesh Kumar of the Keredari police station stated that Sao was detained for allegedly staging a dharna in front of colliery pits and coal dispatch centers. This protest reportedly caused significant financial losses to NTPC. Notably, no First Information Report (FIR) had been lodged at the time of the incident, raising questions about the legal basis of the arrest.
A senior official associated with NTPC’s Keredari and Chatti-Bariatu coal mining projects, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that Sao and his wife were instigating laborers to protest over non-payment of compensation. The official claimed that the agitation began on January 21 and resulted in an estimated loss of Rs 11 crore to the company, highlighting the economic impact of the protests.
Political Reactions and Demands
The Congress party, a constituent of the ruling alliance government in Jharkhand, swiftly reacted to the arrest, demanding the immediate release of Sao and his wife. State Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh addressed the media in Ranchi, emphasizing, "We have learned that police have arrested Yogendraji, his wife and others. They should be released immediately. The Hazaribag administration must ensure that raiyyats whose land has been acquired for mining purposes are compensated as per existing norms."
Former MLA Bandhu Tirkey commented on the situation, noting that as the area is a mining belt, issues related to displacement are common. He pointed out that Sao has a history of raising concerns for affected families, suggesting that the arrest might be linked to his advocacy work.
Family Appeal and Social Media Outcry
Meanwhile, former MLA and Yogendra Sao’s daughter, Amba Prasad, appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren for intervention through a live video message on social media. She stated, "It was a peaceful protest by local raiyyats led by us. However, police have arrested my father and mother and detained several poor and innocent raiyyats. We have repeatedly informed the CM about alleged irregularities by mining companies and the failure to provide due compensation to land losers, but no action has been taken so far. We have also apprised the party high command of the matter."
This appeal underscores the ongoing tensions between local communities and mining corporations in the region, with allegations of inadequate compensation and corporate misconduct fueling protests.
Broader Implications
The arrest of a former minister and MLA highlights the complex interplay between political activism, industrial operations, and law enforcement in Jharkhand. It raises critical questions about:
- The right to protest and its limits in industrial zones.
- The accountability of mining companies in compensating displaced landowners.
- The role of police in handling such disputes without formal charges.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state government will address these concerns and whether the arrested individuals will be released pending further investigation. The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of land rights and corporate responsibility in India's mining sectors.
