Twelve people have been arrested in connection with a violent protest at the site of a proposed ethanol plant in Jogulamba Gadwal district (Telangana), police said on Thursday.
The incident took place on Wednesday near Pedda Dhanwada in Rajoli mandal, where a large group of villagers from seven to eight surrounding villages gathered to demand that the government revoke permission for the ethanol project. Protesters reportedly set fire to temporary shelters and a container placed at the site by the company.
Television visuals captured scenes of chaos, with some demonstrators seen overturning a vehicle, attacking it with sticks, and throwing stones. The window of an earth mover was also damaged during the unrest. Police arrived at the scene and managed to disperse the crowd.
A case was registered at the Rajoli police station following a complaint from the company. The charges include rioting and arson. Police confirmed that twelve individuals were taken into custody and have been remanded to judicial custody.
According to the complaint, some of the company’s workers were also attacked during the protest. The incident is under investigation, officials said.
Authorities stated that the company had obtained a license about a year ago to build a grain-based ethanol plant on a 35 to 40-acre parcel of land near Pedda Dhanwada. Although discussions had taken place between the company and local residents, strong opposition to the project has continued.
Villagers have voiced concerns that the ethanol plant could damage their farmland, emit foul gases, and lead to environmental degradation. Many fear they may be forced to relocate and that their agricultural livelihoods would be irreparably affected if the project goes ahead.
