BOKARO: Bokaro Steel City came to a standstill on Friday following massive protests over the death of a 24-year-old man during a CISF lathicharge and long-standing demands for permanent jobs. The unrest led to the complete shutdown of the Bokaro Steel Plant, halting production and resulting in a loss of approximately 13,400 tonnes of hot metal within 24 hours.
The deceased, Prem Kumar Mahato, belonged to a family displaced by the Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) plant, and was part of a demonstration by the Visthapit Apprentice Sangh (VAS), a union of displaced families demanding permanent employment.
Top BSL Official Arrested, City Paralyzed
Authorities arrested BSL Chief General Manager Hari Mohan Jha for alleged inaction that led to the escalation of protests. Bokaro MLA Shwettaa Singh (Congress) was also detained at the protest site. The district administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to control the situation.
Thousands of protesters laid siege to the plant gates, demanding accountability for Mahato’s death, which occurred late Thursday following a baton charge by CISF personnel. The protest turned violent, with demonstrators setting fire to five vehicles, including three buses, and torching several shops. Major roads were blocked, and commercial activity across the city was suspended.
Infrastructure Under Threat, Water Supply Concerns
In a disturbing turn, protesters dug a canal near Tenughat Dam, raising fears of disruption to the city’s water supply. Meanwhile, all gates of the Bokaro Steel Plant remained sealed, trapping around 5,000 employees inside for over 30 hours—many without adequate food or water.
“All five blast furnaces and major units including the coke oven, sinter plant, steel melting shop, and hot strip mill have been shut down,” confirmed BSL’s Chief of Communications Manikant Dhan. “Our employees are operating under extreme conditions. If this continues, it may endanger both the plant and the city.”
Demands Rooted in Longstanding Job Promises
The VAS has long protested BSL’s failure to provide jobs to over 1,500 trained apprentices from displaced families, many of whom have now exceeded the eligible age for employment due to delays. The Bokaro Bandh received support from political leaders including Bokaro MLA Shwettaa Singh and Dumri MLA Jairam Mahto.
Protesters barricaded major intersections, including Jodhadih Turn, Ukrid Mod, and Telmocho Bridge in Chas, chanting slogans against BSL management.
Losses Mount, Inquiry Ordered
According to BSL officials, the 24-hour production halt has resulted in financial losses running into several crores. The situation is being closely monitored by SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash and the Union Steel Ministry. With BSL Director In-Charge Birendra Kumar Tiwary currently in Delhi, executive directors are managing the crisis on-site.
To address the escalating unrest, Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Jadhav Rao announced a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the events of April 3, including Mahato’s death. The panel, headed by Sub-Divisional Officer Pranjal Dhanda, also includes the City DSP and Executive Magistrate Jaya Kumari. The committee will review CCTV footage, media reports, and eyewitness accounts.
Compensation Announced, But Protests Continue
BSL announced a compensation package of ₹20 lakh for Mahato’s family, along with a contract job for one family member. Injured protesters are to receive ₹10,000 each. However, these measures failed to placate demonstrators.
“The protest will continue until justice is delivered. There is widespread anger among displaced families, and accountability must be fixed at the highest levels of BSL,” said Sunil Kumar of VAS.
