Ethanol plant ruckus: 12 arrested, five more served notices

The Jogulamba Gadwal police arrested 12 persons and remanded them in judicial custody, while five others have been served notices in connection with the attack on the site of a proposed ethanol plant in Pedda Dhanwada village on Wednesday.

Among those named are local farmers and villagers who participated in the unrest, said Superintendent of Police T. Srinivas Rao.

The arrests came a day after tensions flared at the project site of Gayathri Renewable Fuels and Allied Industries Private Limited, where protestors from Pedda Dhanwada and neighbouring Chinna Dhanwada stormed the location, armed with petrol, sticks and chilli powder. They damaged tents, shattered earthmover windscreens and dismantled makeshift shelters. Some factory staff were also assaulted, according to police.

Rajoli Sub-Inspector Jagadeeshwar confirmed that a case has been booked and further probe is on. “We appeal to citizens not to take matters into their own hands,” he said in a video statement.

Police said that the ethanol plant, categorised as a renewable energy project, had received the required clearances in 2024 and had acquired land from one or two farmers via legal means. Officials also clarified that such projects do not require Gram Sabha consent under current regulations.

Mr. Srinivas Rao said that the company was advised to temporarily withdraw from the site due to the current scenario.

Published - June 05, 2025 09:08 pm IST