SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad Aug 30: Exchange of firing and bombs lobbing between two groups over supremacy in Chaitudih colliery of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) under Katras police station, around 40 km away from the district headquarters, rocked the area on Monday.
A police official said two live hand grenades were recovered from the spot. Police also seized half a dozen bikes from the clash spot. Four persons were taken into custody in this connection. Police said no information of anyone’s injury was reported in the clash.
Deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Baghmara region, Nisha Murmu, and Katras police station officer-in-charge Rash Bihari Lal said the clash occurred around 11.30 AM. Kejribal Deco outsourcing company is mining in the colliery. One group demanding employment for local people reached the colliery to stop work of outsourcing company while another group jumped in support of continuing the mining operation.
On the issue, both sides clashed and used bombs and bullets. Police recovered two live hand grenades but denied bullets firing.
Local sources said two groups of Congress, one allegedly supported by KC Tripathi faction while another by newly elected state president Jaleswar Mahto are fighting for supremacy in the colliery.
The group, that had gone to stop mining, said that as per the agreement struck by outgoing SDM Surendra Kumar last month, the outsourcing company had to talk with them over employment today. But the management of the outsourcing company refused to do so leading the Raiyats ( landowners of mines) to stop mining.
However, the rival INTUC group which had reportedly been supported by the local BJP unit too said the closure of mining is not a solution of demand. People will get employment only when outsourcing company functions.
In the wake of mounting tension, heavy police forces have been deployed in the area. Section 144 has already been imposed in the colliery area for the last two months.
