Several villagers and two police personnel were injured in a violent clash in Jharkhand’s Palamu district over the construction of National Highway-39 in the Chiyanki area. The confrontation occurred near the Forest Department check-post in Chiyanki under Sadar police station limits. A team from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had come to remove alleged encroachments for the highway project, leading to opposition from local landowners demanding compensation.
Eyewitnesses reported that the clash began when villagers started throwing stones, prompting the police to use baton charges to control the situation. In the melee, Jharkhand Armed Police (JAP) constable Rajmohan Singh sustained a severe head injury, while assistant woman constable Priya Kumari was injured in the leg. Several villagers were also hurt, and all the injured have been taken to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for treatment.
Despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) due to the ongoing highway construction, a large group of villagers gathered to protest, leading to additional security measures. The clash caused a temporary disruption in traffic, which was later resolved, with authorities assuring that the situation is now under control.
