Wed Oct 02 10:37:06 UTC 2024: ## Five Trucks Torched in Hazaribagh, Drivers Assaulted: Fear Grips Coal Transport Industry

**Hazaribagh, October 1, 2024:** A brazen act of violence has shaken the Hazaribagh district, leaving the coal transport industry in fear. Five trucks transporting coal from NTPC’s Chatti Bariatu Coal Mining Project were set ablaze on Monday morning by suspected militants. The drivers and co-drivers were also assaulted, and shots were fired at the scene.

The incident, which occurred near the Staff Hotel on the Keredari Tandwa main road, involved eight to nine militants who arrived with petrol and torched the trucks lined up in a row. While the perpetrators’ identity remains unclear, speculation suggests that the attack may be linked to the September 29th seizure of property from the home of BKS Tiwari group supremo, Rameswar Mahto, alias “Pahadi,” by Keredari police. This incident sparked concerns of a possible retaliation.

The attack comes just four days after a separate incident involving armed assailants who stormed a transport company office and opened fire.

Local police, including SDPO Kuldeep Kumar, Inspector Anil Kumar, and Station House Officer Ajit Kumar, rushed to the scene along with NTPC officials. Drivers reported seeing 10-12 militants, confirming the pre-meditated nature of the attack.

A thorough investigation has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators. However, the timing of the attack, just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Hazaribagh on October 2nd, has raised serious concerns about security and the escalating unrest in the region.

Read More