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Palamu (Jharkhand), November 5 (IANS) Tension prevailed in the Lesliganj police station area of Palamu in Jharkhand on Wednesday when the police and administrative team were violently attacked while trying to reopen a stone quarry that had been closed for several months.
Officials said that four policemen were injured in the incident, out of which the condition of three is critical.
The injured officers were taken to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), while one was admitted to Leslieganj Community Health Centre, officials said.
Constable Awadhesh Paswan and Havildar Mahendra Dubey are among the injured.
According to officials, the stone mine at Revaratu was closed due to local protests. However, following the Jharkhand High Court direction to resume operations, the district administration on Wednesday decided to resume mining activities under police protection.
As soon as the joint police-administration team reached the spot, a mob of about 200-250 villagers and anti-social elements armed with sticks and traditional weapons allegedly suddenly attacked.
The team became alert and injured while trying to control the situation.
On receiving the information, senior police and district officials immediately reached the spot.
Heavy police deployment has been made in the area to prevent further violence. Officials confirmed that the situation is now under control.
Lesliganj police station in-charge Uttam Kumar Rai said, “In compliance with the High Court order, the administrative team had gone to resume stone mining work when the villagers suddenly attacked them.”
Meanwhile, villagers claimed that the entire community should not be blamed for the incident and that the violence was perpetrated by a group of anti-social elements trying to create unrest.
The administration has started scanning video footage and questioning eyewitnesses to identify the attackers.
Police officials said those responsible for the attack on government personnel will face strict legal action.
–IANS
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