Hanumangarh Protest: Mahapanchayat in Hanumangarh Against Ethanol Factory: Farmer Leader Rakesh Tikait to Join Amidst Internet Shutdown

The agitation by farmers in Tibbi (Rathikhera), Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, against the under-construction Dune Ethanol Private Limited factory shows no signs of abating, while following violent clashes and unrest on December 10, the region remains gripped by tension, with internet services in Tibbi suspended for the fourth consecutive day on Friday. In a significant development aimed at intensifying the movement, a massive Mahapanchayat has been announced for December 17. This crucial gathering is expected to draw prominent farmer leaders, including Rakesh Tikait, from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Farmers have unequivocally stated their refusal to engage in any dialogue with the administration until the Hanumangarh Collector and Superintendent of Police are transferred, highlighting their firm resolve. Under the joint banner of the All India Kisan Sabha and the Sanyukt Morcha, a grand Mahapanchayat is slated for December 17 at the Hanumangarh District Collectorate. This assembly is being organized in solidarity with the farmers of Tibbi and to vehemently oppose the ethanol factory.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Jaggi confirmed the event, stating that farmers from across the nation are expected to converge. The presence of a prominent figure like Rakesh Tikait is anticipated to elevate the protest to a national platform and Importantly boost the morale of the protesting farmers. Leaders from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are also expected to attend, underscoring the broad-based support and the growing significance of this issue beyond local boundaries. The primary objective of this Mahapanchayat is to exert immense pressure on the administration to halt the factory's construction permanently and to demand accountability for the events of December 10.

Background of the Agitation: From Peaceful Resistance to Violent Confrontation

Dune Ethanol Private Limited, a Chandigarh-registered company, is in the process of establishing a 40-megawatt grain-based ethanol plant in Rathikhera. The company asserts that this plant aligns with the central government's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program, which aims to promote environmental sustainability and enhance farmers' income by blending ethanol with petrol. However, local farmers harbor profound concerns regarding the potential environmental and health hazards posed by this plant. For nearly ten months, from September 2024 to June 2025, farmers engaged in peaceful protests against the factory's construction. The agitation intensified in July 2025 when the company commenced the construction of the boundary wall, which ignited the farmers' fury, while they perceived this construction as a direct threat to their land and future livelihoods.

Construction Under Police Protection and Arrests of Farmer Leaders

Despite the escalating farmer protests, the factory's construction resumed on November 19, 2025, under heavy police protection. This move further inflamed the farmers' resentment. During subsequent demonstrations, more than 12 farmer leaders, including Mahenga Singh, were arrested. This was followed by the voluntary arrest of 67 more individuals on November 20-21, signaling the farmers' unwavering commitment to their cause. These arrests deepened the mistrust and anger among the farmers towards the administration, setting the stage for a major confrontation, while farmers alleged that the administration was disregarding their legitimate demands and forcibly proceeding with the factory's construction.

The December 10 Incident: A Day of Violence and Vandalism

On December 10, the farmers' frustration reached its peak. In the afternoon, a large assembly of farmers gathered in front of the Tibbi SDM office. By approximately 4 PM, hundreds of farmers, riding tractors, converged on the factory site in Rathikhera village, while upon arrival, they breached the under-construction factory wall, a symbolic and decisive act of their prolonged protest. After gaining entry into the factory premises, the demonstrators set fire to the office, causing significant property damage. The situation quickly escalated into a fierce stone-pelting battle between the police and the farmers, turning the area into a volatile zone. This violent clash resulted in injuries to over 70 individuals, including a Congress MLA and numerous police personnel.

Casualties and an Atmosphere of Fear in the Region

In the aftermath of the violent confrontation, 40 injured police personnel were admitted to the Tibbi government hospital on December 11, with 12 of them being referred to Hanumangarh due to serious injuries. On top of that, 12 civilians were admitted, of whom 5 were referred to Hanumangarh, and 5 were discharged after receiving first aid, while some injured farmers sought refuge and medical assistance at the Tibbi Gurudwara. The incident instilled such fear that approximately 30 families residing near the factory abandoned their homes, creating an atmosphere of insecurity in the area. The police have registered cases against 107 individuals and detained 40 in connection with the unrest, indicating a stern response from the authorities.

Allegations and Counter-Allegations: Failed Negotiations

Two rounds of talks between the farmers and the administration on Thursday proved unsuccessful. ADG VK Singh, who visited Tibbi, alleged that everything was. Proceeding peacefully on December 10 until "outsiders instigated the unrest. " Conversely, Mangej Chaudhary, District General Secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha, retorted. That "the police's weapons were rusty, otherwise they would have killed hundreds of people. "

He also warned of gheraoing the Collectorate on December 17. Sadulshahar BJP MLA Gurveer Singh Brar also met with farmers at the Tibbi Gurudwara Singh Sabha late Thursday evening. Jogaram Patel described the entire incident as "sponsored," claiming it wasn't a genuine farmers' movement but rather an act of violence perpetrated by "about a thousand people from outside Rajasthan. " He stated that the government is open to dialogue but cautioned against taking the law into one's own hands.

Key Demands of Farmers: Transfer of Officials and Environmental Concerns

Farmers have adopted a resolute stance regarding their demands. They've clearly stated that they won't engage in any discussions with the administration until the Hanumangarh SP and Collector are transferred, while congress leader Dr. Priyanka Chahar, upon reaching the Gurudwara, also leveled serious allegations against the administration. She claimed that the administration deceitfully lured women inside the gate and then subjected them to a lathi-charge. She alleged that a male police officer assaulted women with lathis, which she deemed inhumane and against regulations. Dr. Chahar demanded an investigation by the Collector, immediate dismissal of the responsible police officer, and registration of a case against them.

A primary concern for the farmers is environmental pollution. Women farmers like Sukhjit Kaur and Balwinder Kaur expressed their anguish, stating that if the factory is established, it will pollute the water, leading to diseases such as asthma, cancer, respiratory issues, and skin ailments, turning their lives into "hell, while " They emphasized that the factory's polluted water would contaminate their drinking water and render their land barren. They're merely demanding clean air and water, for which. They've been appealing to the SP-Collector for 16 months.

Future Strategy and Ongoing Meetings

To determine the future course of the agitation, continuous meetings are being held at Gurudwara Singh Sahib in Tibbi, Hanumangarh. A core committee meeting was convened on Friday at 2 PM to strategize the movement's direction. Announcements are continuously being made from the Gurudwara Sahib, urging more farmers to participate. A strategy discussion also took place at the Gurudwara Sahib at 11:30 AM, while farmers have made it clear that they won't back down from their demands, and the Mahapanchayat on December 17 is expected to be a pivotal moment in this movement, further pressuring the administration to concede to their demands.