Violence erupts in Bokaro after protester's death; vehicles torched, Bokaro Steel Plant CGM arrested

IANS April 4, 2025 292 views

A fatal clash between protesters and CISF at Bokaro Steel Plant escalated into widespread violence and a city-wide bandh. The incident began when Visthapit Apprentice Sangh members demanding jobs were confronted by security forces, resulting in the death of Prem Mahato. Authorities responded by arresting the BSL Chief General Manager and agreeing to significant compensation and job considerations. The situation highlighted ongoing tensions between local youth and industrial management in the region.

"CISF personnel resorted to lathi-charge after protesters breached barricades" - Incident Report
Bokaro, April 4: Violence erupted in Bokaro after a youth died in a lathi charge by the CISF on members of the Visthapit Apprentice Sangh (VAS) who were protesting outside the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) for jobs.

Key Points

1

Violent protest at Bokaro Steel Plant over job demands

2

BSL CGM Hari Mohan Jha arrested by police

3

Protesters torch vehicles and block city roads

4

Rs 20 lakh compensation agreed for deceased's family

In response to the violent clashes, the police on the orders of Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Jadhav, arrested BSL Chief General Manager (CGM) Hari Mohan Jha on Friday.

The violence intensified during a Bokaro bandh called by various groups, leading to arson and vandalism.

Protesters torched five vehicles, including three buses, and damaged several others.

In Dundibagh Haat, a shop was set ablaze but the fire was later brought under control. However, roads across the city remained blocked, and businesses were shut.

Adding to the crisis, protesters cut the canal of Tenughat Dam, which supplies water to Bokaro, raising fears of a potential water shortage.

In an effort to defuse tensions, the district administration and BSL management accepted the key demands of the VAS.

According to the agreement, BSL will create posts for all apprentice trainees who have completed their training. These positions will be filled within three months.

The family of the deceased will receive Rs 20 lakh in compensation and a government job for one family member. The injured will receive free treatment at Bokaro General Hospital, along with Rs 10,000 as compensation.

Apart from this, VAS youths will be provided coaching facilities for skill enhancement. A monthly meeting will be held with BSL representatives, attended by the District Planning Officer and Additional Collector, to address further grievances.

A committee has been formed to probe the CISF's use of force, examining CCTV footage from BSL's administrative building and other sources, including media recordings.

The violence erupted on Thursday evening when members of the VAS, demanding jobs, staged a protest at the Steel Bhawan gate. Around 5 p.m. on Thursday, protesters breached barricades, prompting CISF personnel to resort to a lathi-charge.

Four protesters were injured, including Prem Mahato (32) from Shibutand village, who later succumbed to his injuries during treatment. His death sparked widespread outrage, leading to the Bokaro bandh.

Several political parties, including AJSU Party and Jharkhand Loktantrik Kranti Morcha, joined the protest. Bokaro Congress MLA Shwettaa Singh and Dumri MLA Jairam Mahato took to the streets, with roadblocks set up across the city.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 Violence should never be the answer, but neither should excessive force against protesters. Hope the investigation brings justice for Prem Mahato's family.
P
Priya M.
Cutting the water supply was too extreme! Now innocent people will suffer. The protesters had valid demands but this crossed the line.
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Sanjay T.
While I sympathize with the job demands, destroying public property helps no one. The administration's response seems fair - hope they follow through on all promises.
A
Anjali R.
The article mentions CCTV footage - hope it's reviewed properly. Both sides need to be held accountable. RIP to the young man who lost his life 🙏
V
Vikram S.
Respectful criticism: The article could provide more context about how long these job demands have been going on. This didn't happen overnight.
N
Neha P.
The compensation package seems adequate, but no amount of money can bring back a life. Authorities need better protocols for handling protests peacefully.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Bokaro Violence Jharkhand Protests Steel Plant Conflict CISF Job Protests Apprentice Sangh
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