INDORE: Two men participating in protests against the incineration of 337 metric tons of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal at a facility in Pithampur were seriously injured after they immolated themselves by pouring inflammatory liquid on Friday morning.
“Raju Patel and Rajkumar Raghuvanshi attempted self-immolation by dousing themselves in petrol. They were immediately rushed to a community health centre for first aid and later transferred to a private hospital in Indore for further treatment,” said Dhar SP Manoj Kumar Singh.
A wave of protests erupted in Pithampur after 337 metric tons of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal reached the treatment storage and disposal facility of Pithampur Industrial Waste Management Pvt Ltd on Wednesday for incineration, nearly 40 years after the infamous gas tragedy. Local residents and activists strongly opposed the incineration of the hazardous waste at the factory.
On Friday, hundreds of protestors gathered at the bus stand and other areas while raising slogans. This turned violent after stones were pelted. The officials managed the crowd by using mild force.
“Regarding the law-and-order situation today, I urge everyone not to take the law into their own hands. Both I and the District Collector are present on the ground and are ready to listen to everyone’s concerns. All technical aspects of this issue will be explained, and efforts will be made to convince everyone before any decision is taken with mutual agreement. However, if anyone violates the law and order, we will not hesitate to take strict action,” he said.
Meanwhile, District Collector Priyank Mishra said, “Today, a gathering took place at Pithampur Bus Stand where protests were held, leading to a disruption of law and order. I appeal to everyone not to take the law into their own hands. This action is being carried out by the state govt under the directives of the court and with utmost seriousness. Everyone’s concerns will be heard, and any further steps will only be taken after providing complete information to all. Under no circumstances should law and order be compromised. If required, strict decisions will be taken. Therefore, I urge you to communicate with the administration in a peaceful manner.”
Dhar SP appealed to the locals to maintain peace in the area. “A detailed discussion on this matter already took place, and the Madhya Pradesh govt is taking this issue very seriously. The govt will not take any steps that could pose a problem to the general public or endanger their lives. This matter was thoroughly examined using scientific methods, and only after such an investigation was the waste brought here. Any further decisions will be made with your consent,” said Dhar SP Manoj Kumar Singh.
The incident intensified the agitation, with protesters attempting to march towards the industrial facility. However, heavy police barricading prevented them from advancing. The situation at the protest site remained tense, with demonstrators expressing their anger over the govt’s decision.
As the protest spread, authorities diverted vehicles from the main bus stand through Mahendra Bridge and Powerhouse Square to avoid disruptions. Meanwhile, women participating in the agitation gathered bangles, symbolising their disdain, and announced plans to send them to public representatives.
Sandeep Raghuvanshi, a farmer who has been on a hunger strike since Thursday, vowed to continue until the toxic waste is removed from the area.
Members of the Pithampur Bachao Samiti, who recently returned from Delhi, joined the protest to strengthen the movement. Their presence reinvigorated the local resistance against the disposal plan.
