Farmers’ Protest Against Ethanol Factory Turns Violent in Hanumangarh; 14 Vehicles Torched, Internet Shut Down, MLA Injured

Hanumangarh (The Uttam Hindu): Tension continues in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district over the ongoing protest against an ethanol factory. Since early morning, large groups of farmers have gathered near a local gurdwara close to the protest site, raising concerns of further unrest. The administration has kept the internet suspended in the Tibbi area, while police remain on high alert.

A day earlier, the situation spiraled out of control as opposition to the ethanol plant intensified. The farmers’ agitation, ongoing for the past 15 months near the under-construction factory at Chak 5 RK in Rathikhera village, turned violent shortly after a large public meeting. Thousands of protesters broke through barricades, entered the premises, demolished boundary walls, and set fire to about 14 vehicles after widespread vandalism.

To control the crowd, police used tear gas shells and mild force, but the protesters retaliated by throwing stones and bricks. Around three dozen people were injured, including approximately two dozen police personnel and nearly 12 protesters. Three policemen were referred to a higher facility due to serious injuries. Despite police action, the crowd became even more aggressive.

Local MLA Abhimanyu Poonia suffered a head injury and was admitted to the district hospital in Hanumangarh. By late evening, protesters continued to remain inside and around the factory grounds, keeping the atmosphere tense.

The day began with a massive gathering outside the SDM office, where farmer unions, village residents, women, and youth assembled in large numbers. Farmer leaders demanded that construction work be stopped immediately and not resumed without farmers’ consent. They warned that if the administration failed to give a written response by 2 PM, they would march to the factory. When no official assurance arrived, anger flared, and the crowd broke through barricades toward the factory.

Inside the premises, protesters used tractors to knock down walls and set fire to structures, machinery piles, and several vehicles parked outside. The mob also pelted stones at police deployed for security. Even after multiple warnings, protesters refused to step back.

Throughout the day, injured individuals were brought to the community health center. According to medical officials, 36 people were treated—24 police personnel and 12 protesters. Many policemen suffered serious head and shoulder injuries. MLA Abhimanyu Poonia was referred to Hanumangarh for further treatment.