Nirmal, Telangana: A protest by villagers against the construction of an ethanol factory turned violent on Tuesday, with some attempting to vandalize the vehicle of Nirmal Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in the Dilawarpur mandal center, reported Telanagna Today.
The protest began in the morning, with villagers blocking the Nirmal-Bhainsa national highway, affecting traffic throughout the day. They staged a sit-in, cooked food, and lit bonfires at the site. The villagers demanded the intervention of the District Collector and the reinstatement of a teacher suspended for supporting their cause.
According to the media report, Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Ratna Kalyani arrived at the site to discuss the matter with the protesters. However, the discussions failed, and tensions rose as she tried to leave the area around 9:30 p.m. Some angry protesters blocked her vehicle. During the incident, Kalyani fainted due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. She was, however, immediately shifted on the vehicle of Superintendent of Police Dr Janaki Sharmila, who was monitoring security at the spot to a government hospital in Nirmal.
Traffic on the national highway was restored by 11:00 p.m. Investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the violence.
