Ken-Betwa stir: 50, including Youth Cong state vice-prez, booked for trespassing, damaging property of Panna Tiger Reserve

Bhopal: Over 50 people, including Youth Congress state vice-president Abhishek Parmar, have been booked after a protest linked to the Ken-Betwa Link Project turned confrontational in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district, even as the agitation was later called off by tribals following assurances from the administration. Acting on directions of superintendent of police Agam Jain, Bamitha police registered a case alleging that the protesters misbehaved with govt officials, obstructed work and damaged property at the Bhusor Gate of the Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR). The FIR was based on a complaint filed by Rajendra Kumar Solanki, forest range officer (Chandranagar), who alleged that Parmar and others prevented staff from carrying out their duties and caused damage during the protest. The protest was part of a larger agitation by villagers affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project, over compensation and rehabilitation issues. The agitation was called off after the district administration assured a fresh review of claims. Officials said Chhatarpur collector Parth Jaiswal constituted special joint teams to conduct a re-survey across 14 affected villages. The teams began ground-level verification on Friday, examining discrepancies in compensation and scrutinising applications for rehabilitation benefits. The exercise is being carried out in campaign mode, with instructions to submit reports within seven days. Authorities said the aim is to ensure that all genuine beneficiaries are included while ineligible claims are filtered out. Jaiswal said the operation is going on smoothly. To maintain transparency, officials from outside the local area have been deployed for independent verification. The teams, comprising SDMs, tehsildars, naib tehsildars and patwaris, are checking records using documents such as voter lists, BPL cards, electricity bills and school records, while also holding on-the-spot hearings to resolve grievances. Despite the protest being withdrawn, police proceeded with legal action over the alleged disruption and damage. Cases have been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. Police said 20–25 persons have been identified so far and further action, including arrests, will follow based on evidence.