Protest – Police Injured After Datia Highway Blockade Turns Violent Amid Bypoll Row
Protest – Datia Assembly bypoll updates and law enforcement response – A major law and order challenge unfolded in Madhya Pradesh’s Datia district after a political protest over the upcoming Assembly by-election escalated into violence, leaving several police personnel injured and disrupting traffic for several hours.
Protest Over Candidate Selection Triggers Massive Road Blockade
Tension gripped Datia after supporters of former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra staged a large-scale protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision to nominate another candidate for the upcoming Assembly by-election. Thousands of demonstrators gathered on National Highway-44 on Friday evening, launching a ‘chakka jaam’ that brought traffic to a complete halt and created congestion stretching nearly 15 kilometres. The disruption also affected transport in neighbouring districts, while some protesters reportedly attempted to force the closure of local markets.
Police Appeals Fail to End Demonstration
According to Datia Superintendent of Police Mayur Khandelwal, district officials made repeated attempts to persuade the protesters to withdraw from the highway peacefully. The administration, including the district collector, held several rounds of discussions with those leading the demonstration, urging them to end the blockade because of the growing inconvenience to commuters and emergency services.
Police officials said the prolonged road closure had significantly impacted movement across the region, making it necessary to continue negotiations while preparing additional security arrangements.
Violence Breaks Out During Early Morning Hours
The situation took a violent turn in the early hours of Saturday when, according to police, sections of the crowd began throwing stones at security personnel. Authorities responded by firing tear gas shells in an effort to disperse the protesters. Officials said the confrontation intensified after the initial police action, resulting in injuries to multiple officers.
Police confirmed that at least six personnel sustained serious injuries and were admitted to hospital for treatment. Senior officers, including the Superintendent of Police and the Additional Superintendent of Police, also suffered injuries during the incident while supervising operations at the protest site.
Security Tightened as Police Restore Order
Following the clashes, security deployment across Datia was strengthened to prevent further disturbances. Police said the protesters were eventually dispersed and traffic restoration work began immediately after the highway was cleared.
Authorities stated that several individuals have been taken into custody and legal proceedings are being initiated against those allegedly involved in the violence. Police have also appealed to those responsible to surrender peacefully, warning that attempts to block major roads or disturb public order would invite strict legal action.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Manjeet Singh Chawla said traffic diversion plans were implemented to reduce the impact of the blockade. Heavy vehicles were redirected through alternate routes, while ambulances and other emergency vehicles were given priority passage. Officials added that discussions with protest representatives continued alongside efforts to reopen the affected highway.
BJP Announces New Candidate for Datia Bypoll
The protest followed the BJP’s announcement of Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election. The decision replaced Narottam Mishra, who was defeated in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. The change in candidature triggered dissatisfaction among many of Mishra’s supporters, leading to Friday’s large-scale demonstration.
Bypoll Schedule Already Announced
The Election Commission of India has announced by-elections for Assembly constituencies in Bihar, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Voting for all three seats is scheduled for July 30, while counting of votes will take place on August 3.
The Datia Assembly seat became vacant after Congress legislator Rajendra Bharti was disqualified from the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly following his conviction in a fraud case. The by-election will determine the constituency’s next representative.