Land agitation turns ugly, Mamata likely to scrap project by Power Grid Corp

KOLKATA: Following an anti-land acquisition movement that turned violent this evening at Bhangar in south 24 Paragana district, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in a statement announced that projects that will trigger land agitation would not be implemented in the state. “No land will be acquired if people don't want to give away land. Proposed power grid will be relocated if required,” said Banerjee.

In Bhangar, there had been tension simmering for past couple of months as a power sub-station of the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) over about 13 acres of land (about 40 bighas) was nearing completion. The villagers had been agitating demanding the project to be scrapped. However, the situation took an ugly turn after the Criminal Investigation Department ( CID) of West Bengal police picked up a leader of the movement. Tension escalated after the investigators raided some more houses in the village looking for the instigators.

Since afternoon, the situation at ground zero appeared to be going beyond control as the villagers blocked the entry road of the village and started pelting stones at the police and attacked government vehicles. Police charged tear gas shells and allegedly had to fire a few rounds to disperse the violent mob. According to villagers, one person sustained bullet injury and was rushed to the local hospital in a critical condition. There were sporadic cases of arson as villagers set fire to wooden logs, police vehicle, tubes and tyres. A police bus was set on fire.

The incident took place when the state government’s preparation is on at its full swing to host the Bengal Global Business Summit, scheduled on January 20 and 21.