Tension in Bastar, villagers storm maize plant, ransack vehicles, allege crop damage from waste

RAIPUR: Tension flared in Chhattisgarh’s Kondagaon district in Bastar division, after a large group of villagers allegedly stormed a maize processing plant at Kokodi village, vandalising the office and damaging vehicles and cars parked on the premises, following allegations that the unit’s waste has been flowing into farmlands and ruining crops.

Villagers claim liquid waste from the plant has been reaching nearby fields, causing crop loss. They alleged they had submitted repeated complaints to authorities but saw no action, fuelling anger that erupted into violence.Officials said around 700–800 people gathered at a maize processing plant in Kokodi on Thursday night. Carrying sticks and stones, the mob allegedly entered the campus, ransacked parts of the office and smashed vehicles including cars, tractors, a police van and other machinery.

The damage is estimated to be in the range of Rs 10–20 lakh, according to initial assessments.Police and administrative officials reached the site soon after receiving information and additional force was called in from neighbouring Kanker, officials said. Heavy deployment remained in place outside the plant on Friday as villagers reportedly attempted to enter the premises again in the morning but were pushed back.

The management of the maize processing plant has issued an order of halting all the operations until further information. Deputy collector Kondagaon Charlie Thakur said that the administration and police are investigating from all angles. As of now the plant has been closed and based on further investigation reports, action will be taken.The situation in Kokodi remained tense, with police keeping a close watch.

Some villagers were reported to be targeting security personnel from a distance using slingshots, adding to the volatility.A driver from Maharashtra who had come to the plant said he hid in a nearby forest to save himself during the attack. The plant management had not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report.Police said an inquiry has been initiated into the incident, including an assessment of losses and a verification of the pollution and waste-disposal allegations. Officials appealed to residents to maintain peace as the administration worked to restore normalcy in the area.