Tribals threaten to halt Jashpur hydro project after rape of women in Chhattisgarh
Senior tribal leader and former minister Ganesh Ram Bhagat is leading the agitation and has threatened to halt construction of the hydro-power project till accused are nabbed. Earlier, the project was embroiled in controversy after tribals protested against land acquisition.
"Women fear to venture into forests or bathe in the river. Project workers stalk them and even climb atop trees and molest them when they pass by," a villager said. A resident of Gullu village said, "We have been complaining to police, but to no avail. Project workers Bhaiyalal and Anand chased our women for several days before sexually assaulting them."
Over 350 people gathered at the site protesting against the project and its workers. Tribals alleged company officials were trying to hush up the matter and influence police as well.
Former minister Ganesh Ram Bhagat told TOI, "It's the duty of police to arrest the rapists. Police must question project managers to track the whereabouts of the accused. We will intensify our agitation." Speaking to TOI, inspector in charge, Gullu village, D Rajwade, said, a case of rape had been lodged and efforts were on to nab the accused.
"Tribals have been residing in forests since ages and now companies are exploiting the greens, disturbing the ambience and threatening the security of tribals. It is disappointing that police didn't pay heed to our complaints," said Alexandar Khalko.
Gullu small hydro power project is a sister concern of Kamal Sarda group. Talking to TOI, project manager Prakash Mishra said, "the accused were not company employees, but were engaged by contractors. The accused driver and the women were allegedly in a relationship while working at the site."
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जवाब दें, सभी को जवाब दें, या इसको भेजें करने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें
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