On February 17, hundreds of rural poor, workers and women marched in Mahuwatand (Giridhi, Jharkhand) under the banner of CPI(ML) Liberation and the Unorganised Workers Front against the false cases lodged by the management of Balamukund Steel Factory and against rising industrial pollution in the area.
The protest march began from Mahuwatand and proceeded on foot to the main road near Mod Tundi Road ground, where a public meeting was held. The demonstration saw strong participation of women and men from surrounding villages who raised slogans against repression, pollution and anti-worker practices.
Former Rajdhanwar MLA Rajkumar Yadav addressed the gathering and stressed the need to raise the issue inside the Assembly. He recalled that during his tenure, an Assembly team had visited the area and certain corrective measures were initiated. He said that a broader movement and united mobilisation are necessary to defend the rights of workers and villagers.
District Secretary Ashok Paswan exposed the grim condition in the industrial area. He said workers are being denied minimum wages and are subjected to arbitrary and humiliating treatment by the management. He also pointed out that factory activities have adversely affected agricultural land and local water sources, creating severe hardship for farmers and rural households.
Farmer leader Puran Mahto raised concern over damage to jal, jungle and zameen and criticised the inaction of concerned authorities. Leaders asserted that pollution and intimidation through false cases are being used to silence democratic resistance.
Rajesh Sinha, Nagar Secretary and District Committee member, informed that a written complaint has been submitted at the Mufassil police station against GM Parshuram Tiwari and others. He said CCTV footage will expose the falsehood of the allegations and that the factory management must be held accountable.
The protest demonstration out forwarded following demands:
1. Immediate withdrawal of all false cases filed against villagers and activists.
2. Action against Balamukund Factory management for filing fabricated complaints.
3. Proper investigation into industrial pollution and its impact on farmland and water sources.
4. Guarantee of minimum wages and dignified working conditions for all workers in the industrial area.
5. Administrative accountability and intervention to protect the rights of workers and peasants.
It is pertinent to note that earlier, on 6 January 2026, the death of a 30-year-old worker inside the factory led to massive protests by villagers along with members of CPI(ML), demanding compensation, accountability and justice.
