Farmers in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, have been protesting an under-construction ethanol factory for two days. The demonstrations began peacefully, but on Wednesday, the situation became violent. Hundreds of farmers marched to the construction site of Dune Ethanol Private Limited in Rathikheda village.
Protesters broke down part of the boundary wall and set fire to offices and vehicles at the site. When police arrived, clashes broke out. Officers used batons and tear gas to control the crowd. In response, protesters set fire to more than a dozen vehicles, including a police jeep. The violence left over 50 people, including women, injured. A local Congress MLA, Abhimanyu Poonia, was also hurt.
Due to the unrest, schools, colleges, and markets in the area were closed on Wednesday. Internet services in Hanumangarh have been suspended for two days. Around 30 families living near the factory site have reportedly left their homes due to safety concerns.
The district administration stated that the ethanol plant has all the necessary permissions. Hanumangarh Collector Dr. Khushal Yadav said the project was approved in 2022 and has secured all clearances, from land use to pollution control. He mentioned that while a peaceful gathering was allowed, “anti-social elements” went against orders and marched towards the factory. “People took the law into their own hands. Action is being taken against those involved,” he said.
More than 107 farmers and villagers have been booked for the violence, and 40 have been arrested. Additional police and security forces have been deployed to Tibbi and Rathikheda to maintain order. On Thursday, shops reopened, and the situation appeared calmer. However, farmers continued to gather at a local gurdwara. A meeting was planned to decide the future course of the protest. Several injured women were staying at Gurdwara Singh Sabha.
Leaders from the Congress party and farmer organizations from neighbouring states have offered support to the protesters. Ravjot Singh, a protest leader, claimed that over 70 people were injured on Wednesday. He also stated that over 100 farmers stayed overnight at the gurdwara, with more joining on Thursday.
Congress leader Shabnam Godara blamed the administration for the violence. She said the situation worsened because authorities did not provide written assurance that construction would stop. She also alleged that officials had misled residents about job opportunities.
Farmer groups are demanding that the factory not be allowed to operate until fresh environmental clearances are obtained and local residents give their consent. Dune Ethanol Private Limited, the company building the plant, stated that the project will help increase ethanol production and support the government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme.