Korba, Oct 23 – A farmers’ organization has accused the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) of lathi-charging a group of displaced individuals protesting against the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Korba district, Chhattisgarh.

The SECL responded by stating that some individuals had entered a restricted area of its Gevra mine, attempting to disrupt coal production.

Prashant Jha, the state joint secretary of Chhattisgarh Kisan Sabha, alleged that CISF personnel used force against the displaced individuals while they were peacefully protesting at the Gevra mine, where they were demanding employment, rehabilitation, and compensation. He reported that several people, including Kisan Sabha district secretary Deepak Sahu and other officials, sustained injuries during the incident.

Jha emphasized that the protest was conducted peacefully. He further alleged that the injured protesters were forcibly taken to the police station following the incident.

In response to the situation, villagers gathered in large numbers at the Dipka police station, demanding that a case be filed against the officer responsible for ordering the lathi-charge.

SECL Public Relations Officer Sanish Chandra stated that between 10 am and 11 am, some protesters from Naraibodh-Bhathora village entered the Gevra mine, attempting to disrupt coal production and transportation in a prohibited area where heavy machinery operates. He noted that when the protesters were obstructing work, a CISF team intervened to redirect them.

Dipka police station in-charge Premchand Sahu indicated that a lathi-charge typically requires the orders of an Executive Magistrate, and the CISF’s authority within SECL premises is currently under investigation. An inquiry into the incident is ongoing.