Aurangabad/Patna: Tensions flared in Aurangabad district as farmers in Rampur Deoria village, under the Kutumba block, halted the construction of an expressway being developed under the central government’s Bharatmala project. The administration’s attempt to begin groundwork was met with fierce resistance from local farmers demanding fair compensation for their land.
Police officials, accompanied by a construction crew and heavy machinery, arrived in the village to begin preliminary levelling. Initially, there was no visible opposition, and light work commenced. However, dozens of farmers soon assembled at the site, lying down in front of the Poklain excavator in protest.
The farmers, backed by representatives of the Bharatiya Kisan Union Sangh, insisted they would not allow the project to proceed unless they were granted what they termed “just and legal compensation.” Union convenor Vashishtha Prasad Singh, along with district leaders Vikas Kumar Singh, Narendra Rai, and others, accused local authorities of bypassing due process and using coercive tactics.
Police attempts to disperse the protest led to a minor scuffle, but no injuries were reported. The standoff forced the administration to withdraw for the day. By evening, an FIR had been lodged against 11 farmers at Kutumba police station, marking a hardening of the government’s stance.
“The construction will go ahead,” said CO Chandraprakash. “All affected landowners have been informed and are eligible for compensation upon completion of necessary formalities. Obstructing the project is unlawful.”
Villagers counter that their earlier objections, submitted through official channels, were dismissed without proper investigation. Many, including Ramakant Pandey, Chandrashekhar Pandey, and Jitendra Yadav, were present at the protest and voiced frustration over what they view as administrative indifference.
This is not the first instance of unrest. Similar resistance was previously reported in Ballia and Sonbarsa villages. Authorities this time, however, appeared more resolute, raising fears of escalating conflict. Video footage of the protest has been recorded by the administration, which plans to resume work shortly. Meanwhile, the farmers remain defiant, setting the stage for further confrontation if their demands are not addressed.
