A major protest by farmers in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district turned violent on Wednesday when a large number of protesters entered the factory premises after a farmers’ mahapanchayat against the ethanol factory being built in Rathikheda village of Tibbi. The protesters broke the boundary wall of the factory with tractors, extensively vandalized it and set fire to numerous vehicles. There was a fierce clash between the police and the farmers, in which many people, including Congress MP Abhimanyu Punia, were injured. How did the fight begin? Tension rose during the day after talks between the farmers’ “Ethanol Factory Hatao Sangharsh Samiti” and the administration failed. The farmers demanded written assurance to stop the construction of the factory immediately, which the administration refused to give. After this, the protesters moved towards the factory at around 16:00. Stone throwing, vandalism and arson. Farmers broke the boundary wall of the factory with a tractor and entered the premises. After this, stone pelting, vandalism and arson started in the factory. The angry mob set ablaze at least 10 vehicles parked at the factory, including a JCB machine, seven cars, two motorcycles and a state police jeep. Some private cars of police officers were also set on fire. Police charged, MLA Punia injured. The police had to use force to remove the protesters. They first released tear gas canisters and then lathicharged. Congress LPG from Sangaria Abhimanyu Punia was injured in lathi charge. Punia came to attend a mahapanchayat in support of the farmers. Later he was admitted to the Hanumangarh District Hospital. Internet and markets closed, schools closed After the commotion, the administration immediately shut down Internet services in Tibbi and surrounding towns, fearing disturbance of peace. Schools and shops were also ordered to remain closed. Statement of District Collector and Superintendent of Police Late in the evening, District Collector Khushal Yadav issued a statement saying that permission for the Mahapanchayat was given keeping in mind the sentiments of the farmers. But after the mahapanchayat, some anti-social elements targeted the factory premises and took matters into their own hands, and strict action will be taken against them. He appealed to the public to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands. Meanwhile, Hanumangarh Superintendent of Police Harishchandra confirmed the violence and said, “A Mahapanchayat was held in front of the ethanol plant. Some people went to the factory and vandalized it. Five policemen were injured in the clash, and seven people were detained.” He promised strict action against the rioters. Political rhetoric intensified. Hanumangarh incident triggered a sharp political reaction in Rajasthan. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot strongly condemned the use of force by the police and tweeted: “Why does the BJP government hate farmers so much? Congress will always raise the voice of farmers fearlessly.” Former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot expressed concern over the injury of MPW Abhimanyu Punia, wished his speedy recovery and promised to support the fight for the rights of farmers. Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal accused the BJP government led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal of being “insensitive” and trying to crush the opposition by using violence. He said that the government is working under the pressure of companies and shirking its responsibility to maintain a balance between development and environment. Injured MLA Abhimanyu Punia sent a message from the hospital saying he was safe and described the incident as a “conspiratorial attack” against the rights of farmers. He said that threats will not stop their peaceful struggle. Why are farmers protesting against the ethanol factory? The dispute relates to a 40 MW grain-based ethanol plant being set up by Dune Ethanol Private Limited (registered in Chandigarh, established in 2020). This project is part of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme. The main concerns of the farmers related to “Ethanol Factory Hatao Sangharsh Samiti” are “land acquisition” and “bad effect of the management of the factory on the ground water level of the area”. They fear that the factory could pose a threat to the environment and local livelihoods. Farmers have announced that they will continue their protest until a written order is received to stop the construction work. Meanwhile, the administration says they are ready for talks, but violence and chaos will not be tolerated. The situation is being monitored, and an official statement on next steps is expected soon.