- By Shubham Bajpai
- Thu, 11 Dec 2025 08:43 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The protest in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh against the construction of an ethanol plant turned violent as the agitators attempted to break down the plant's under-construction wall. The police resorted to a lathi-charge due to which clashes ensued, and at least a dozen people, including five cops and a Congress MLA, were injured.
The police have taken seven agitators into custody. The protestors set police personnel and administrative vehicles on fire. They also pelted stones at the cops, to which the police responded by firing tear gas shells.
Hanumangarh SP Hari Shankar said, "A mahapanchayat was held against the ethanol plant. Some people marched towards the factory and vandalised it. In the clash, five policemen were injured. Action is being taken by the police. Seven people have been taken into custody."
The construction work has begun on an ethanol plant in Rathi Kheda village, costing approximately Rs 450 crore. Farmers are protesting the plant, claiming it will cause pollution in the area.
Ethanol plant wall broken by tractor
On Wednesday, farmers first held a meeting in front of the Sub-Divisional Officer's office. After talks with the administration failed, largely due to the authorities' refusal to issue a written assurance to stop the construction work, the protesters marched towards Rathi Kheda village around 4 pm. Minutes later, chaos unfolded as the agitated farmers broke the wall of the ethanol plant by tractors, causing
Congress MLA injured
Congress MLA Abhimanyu Punia was injured in the clash between police and farmers and has been admitted to the Hanumangarh District Hospital.
As a precautionary measure, the administration has shut down the internet in Tibbi and surrounding areas. Schools and shops have also been ordered to close until further notice. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area. A heavy police force is deployed at the scene.
