A woman police officer sustained head injuries, while three other police personnel were also injured after enraged villagers pelted stones at police and administrative officials during an encroachment removal drive in Palsodi village of Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district on Friday.
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A woman police officer sustained head injuries, while three other police personnel were also injured after enraged villagers pelted stones at police and administrative officials during an encroachment removal drive in Palsodi village of Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district on Friday.
The police had to resort to lobbing tear gas shells and carrying out a baton charge to bring the situation under control.
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More than 100 police personnel were rushed to the area. Officials said the situation was later brought under control. The injured personnel were taken to hospital in ambulances.
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According to information received, the dispute is linked to a proposed investment zone spread across nearly 1,700 hectares in Palsodi and nearby villages.
Residents have been protesting the project for months, claiming it will affect agricultural land and residential areas and could lead to displacement.
Villagers alleged that their concerns regarding land acquisition and rehabilitation have not been adequately addressed.
Administrative officials reached the site with a large police force and earth-moving machinery, including JCBs and bulldozers, to remove alleged encroachments.
A large number of villagers gathered and began protesting as the operation commenced. Officials initially attempted to persuade them, but after talks failed, police detained around 15 to 20 people and proceeded with the drive.
During the operation, some protesters allegedly began pelting stones at the police and administrative team. The police then resorted to tear gas and mild force to restore order.
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