Over 50 Individuals Booked Following Confrontational Ken-Betwa Link Protest in Madhya Pradesh
In a significant development in Madhya Pradesh, police have registered a case against more than 50 people, including Youth Congress state vice-president Abhishek Parmar, following a protest related to the Ken-Betwa Link Project that turned confrontational in Chhatarpur district. The incident occurred at the Bhusor Gate of the Panna Tiger Reserve, where protesters allegedly clashed with government officials.
Administrative Action and Legal Proceedings Initiated
Acting on directives from Superintendent of Police Agam Jain, the Bamitha police station filed a First Information Report based on a complaint by Forest Range Officer Rajendra Kumar Solanki of Chandranagar. The FIR alleges that protesters misbehaved with government officials, obstructed official work, and caused damage to public property during the demonstration.
The protest was part of a larger agitation by villagers affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project, who have been raising concerns about compensation and rehabilitation issues. Despite the protest being called off after district administration assurances, police proceeded with legal action over the alleged disruption and property damage.
Comprehensive Review of Compensation Claims Underway
Following the protest, Chhatarpur Collector Parth Jaiswal constituted special joint teams to conduct a fresh review of claims across 14 affected villages. These teams began ground-level verification on Friday, examining discrepancies in compensation and scrutinizing applications for rehabilitation benefits.
The exercise is being conducted in campaign mode with instructions to submit reports within seven days. Authorities stated the primary objective is to ensure all genuine beneficiaries are properly included while filtering out ineligible claims. Collector Jaiswal confirmed the operation is progressing smoothly.
Transparency Measures and Verification Process
To maintain transparency and independence in the verification process, officials from outside the local area have been deployed. The teams comprise:
- Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs)
- Tehsildars
- Naib Tehsildars
- Patwaris
These officials are cross-checking records using multiple documents including voter lists, Below Poverty Line cards, electricity bills, and school records. Additionally, they are conducting on-the-spot hearings to address grievances and resolve disputes directly with affected villagers.
Legal Framework and Ongoing Investigation
Cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. Police authorities have identified 20-25 individuals so far and indicated that further action, including potential arrests, will proceed based on collected evidence.
The Ken-Betwa Link Project, a major inter-state river interlinking initiative between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, has faced periodic protests from affected communities concerned about displacement and inadequate compensation. This latest incident highlights the ongoing tensions between development projects and local community rights in the region.
