NH-719 Widening Protest Escalates into Violence in Bhind
A demonstration demanding the expansion of the Gwalior-Bhind-Etawah section of National Highway 719 descended into chaos on Monday, as protesters vandalized toll booths at Baretha in Bhind's Malanpur region. Organized under the slogan 'No Road, No Toll', the agitation highlighted long-standing grievances over the highway's dangerous condition.
Protesters Target Toll Infrastructure
The protest commenced at noon, led by saint Kalidas Maharaj, with participants gathering at the plaza to oppose toll collection on what they described as a severely deteriorated and hazardous roadway. Tensions quickly escalated when some demonstrators allegedly damaged toll booth equipment. They claimed that despite announcements suspending toll collections for the day, FASTag scanners were still deducting charges from vehicles, fueling widespread anger among motorists and protesters alike.
As the situation intensified, police teams were dispatched to the plaza to restore order, but crowds continued to swell, exacerbating the unrest. Protesters insisted that electronic deductions were ongoing from their FASTag accounts, contradicting toll staff assertions that fees had been waived.
Political and Community Involvement
The agitation saw significant political and spiritual engagement. Congress's rural district president, Ramshresh Baghel, addressed the protesters, accusing the BJP government of neglecting repeated pleas for highway improvements. He alleged that the administration was "turning a blind eye to fatalities occurring on this road," citing frequent accidents that have claimed numerous lives.
In response to the escalating tensions, assembly speaker Narendra Singh Tomar visited the site and met with the protesting saints. He assured them that the government supports the demand for widening NH-719, seeking to placate the demonstrators.
Rituals and Divisions Within the Seer Community
During the protest, Shri Krishna Pilot Baba of Kathma Ashram performed 'Dhuni Ramaana', a traditional protest ritual involving the lighting of a sacred fire. However, the event also revealed a split within the seer community. Sant Samiti state president Ramdas Maharaj claimed that the protest had been postponed, while district president Kalidas Maharaj insisted it would proceed as planned, highlighting internal disagreements over the agitation's timing and execution.
Background and Previous Government Assurances
The protest stems from unmet promises regarding highway development. Approximately ten months ago, a delegation of seers met with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who reportedly assured them that widening work on NH-719 would commence within six months. The failure to initiate this work has fueled frustration and led to the current demonstration, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to enhance safety and connectivity in the region.
