Hazaribagh, June 16 (IANS) A large group of people indulged in vandalism at the site office of a mining infrastructure company, working for NTPC’s Badam coal mining project, in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district early Tuesday, triggering tension in the area.

Police said teams have been rushed to the spot and are working to bring the situation under control.

The incident reportedly took place at around 5 a.m. Significant damage was caused to office property and structures by vandalism, though no employee injuries have been reported.

The Badam coal project belongs to NTPC, with an infrastructure mining company operating as the mine developer and operator (MDO). Since the start of the project, disputes have persisted between villagers and company officials over issues related to land acquisition, displacement, rehabilitation, compensation, and employment for locals.

According to local residents, tensions had escalated recently when affected villagers had gheraoed company officials, who were later rescued following police intervention. Subsequently, an FIR was registered against hundreds of villagers based on a complaint by the company, and some were arrested and sent to jail, further fuelling resentment in the area.

On Tuesday morning, a large number of people suddenly gathered at the company’s site office and began vandalising the premises. Doors, windows, furniture, and other items were damaged. The incident triggered panic among employees and officials present at the office, many of whom moved to safer locations.

Police from Barkagaon police station reached the spot soon after being informed and assessed the situation. Station in-charge Deepak Singh said a mob of unidentified people was involved in the vandalism. Police are examining CCTV footage installed around the site and are questioning locals to identify those responsible.

Officials said the case is being investigated from all angles, including project-related protests, recent police action, and other possible triggers. Senior officers, including the SDPO, also visited the site and reviewed the situation.

Tension continues to prevail in the project area, with additional police personnel deployed and the administration closely monitoring the situation. Police have said that those involved in vandalism will be identified and action will be taken against them.

–IANS

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