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Cause of Protest: The protests were sparked by the BJP's decision not to grant a ticket to Narottam Mishra for the upcoming assembly by-election. Thousands of supporters gathered to express their opposition to the candidate selection.
Escalation and Violence: According to Datia Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayur Khandelwal, more than 3,000 rioters attempted to disrupt the peace. The roadblock, which started at 6:00 PM the previous evening, resulted in a 15-kilometer-long traffic jam, affecting neighboring districts as well.
Despite multiple attempts by the Collector and the SP to negotiate an end to the blockade, the situation turned violent at approximately 4:00 AM when the protesters suddenly began pelting stones at the police. In response, the police used tear gas and a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Casualties and Current Situation: The clash resulted in several injuries on both sides. More than six police personnel were seriously injured and are currently hospitalized. SP Mayur Khandelwal and the Additional SP also sustained injuries during the stone-pelting incident.
Currently, a heavy police force remains deployed across the district to maintain order. Some individuals have been taken into custody, and the police are working to clear the traffic jam on the highway. The SP has issued a stern warning to the remaining protesters to either surrender or leave peacefully, stating that the blockade will not be tolerated.
Datia DM Swapnil Wankhede says, "The traffic jam persisted until 5 AM, lasting roughly eleven hours, stretching for 20 to 25 kilometres. About four districts were affected: Datia, Jhansi, Shivpuri, and Gwalior, with Gwalior being the most impacted. Many buses and ambulances were stuck in the gridlock. We spent the entire night trying to reason with the protesters, but they were unwilling to listen. Around 4 AM, we brought in the force once more to try and persuade them again, but to no avail.
Subsequently, stone-pelting began from their side. We then fired tear gas to push the crowd back. The protesters retreated into the office building and resumed pelting stones from there. Eight of our personnel sustained serious injuries. The SDPO suffered a severe hand injury. Both the SP and ASP were hurt. I also sustained a blow to the head, though I was wearing a helmet. Vehicles were overturned, and windows were smashed, including those of three or four police vehicles and several trucks, resulting in widespread violence.
Yet, throughout this, the Datia administration and police did not resort to a lathi-charge or retaliatory stone-pelting... We made every effort to handle the situation peacefully, but when they refused to listen, we resorted to using tear gas. We are currently urging the protesters inside to come out. We have no issue if they emerge one by one and return home.
We do not wish to take punitive action. However, if they refuse to comply and attempt to come out in groups of five or ten, we are prepared to take strict action. We will deal with the situation firmly..."
