SINGRAULI, MADHYA PRADESH (India CSR)— In a harrowing incident that has shaken Madhya Pradesh, a member of the Baiga tribal community was brutally thrashed with a hockey stick by Coal India’s PSU Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) security personnel in the Nigahi Coal Handling Plant (CHP) area.
The assault, which took place in front of the victim’s wife, came to light after a 10-minute video went viral, prompting the Navanagar Police to register a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The assault reportedly took place on March 20, 2024, at the Nigahi Coal Handling Plant, but only came to public light on May 2, 2026, after a video of the incident surfaced on social media.
The Incident: Beaten for Collecting Firewood
The victim, identified as Annelal Baiga, had gone to the forest near the Nigahi plant with his wife to collect dry wood for cooking. According to reports, they were intercepted by Security In-charge MD Singh and other staff members.
Despite Annelal’s desperate pleas—crying out, “Godi gir thi, mat maar” (I am falling at your feet, don’t hit me)—the security official allegedly accused him of theft and began a relentless assault with a hockey stick.
Horrifying Viral Footage
The 10-minute video captures the height of inhumanity:
- Brutality: The Security In-charge is seen hurling abuses and raining blows on the victim even after he collapsed.
- Instigation: Bystanders were heard egging on the attacker, shouting, “Break his hands and legs, just spare the head.”
- Systemic Failure: The victim’s family revealed they are forced to collect wood from the forest because they do not have an Ujjwala gas connection and lack basic drinking water facilities, despite being part of a protected tribal group.
Police Action
Following the social media outcry, Singrauli SP Manish Khatri confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against three individuals.
“We have taken the video into cognizance and identified the victim. Two suspects are currently in custody for questioning. We are invoking the SC/ST Act, and strict legal action will be taken against every individual involved in this barbaric act,” the SP stated.
Political Firestorm
The incident has sparked a massive political row:
Ashok Singh Paigam (District Panchayat Member): Visited the victim’s home and warned of a large-scale agitation if the perpetrators are not dealt with strictly. He highlighted the irony of government claims regarding tribal welfare while “sticks are being rained on them” on the ground.
Vikrant Bhuria (National President, Tribal Congress): Slammed the “double-engine government,” questioning if there is any fear of the law left. “Tribals in Singrauli are not just losing their land, but their dignity to such inhuman behavior,” he said.
Key Details and Arrests
Following the outrage sparked by the video, the Navanagar Police initiated an investigation and tracked down the victim for a statement and medical examination.
- Accused Detained: Pradeep Patel (Security In-charge) and Makardhwaj Singh (Security Guard).
- Charges: The accused have been booked under:
- Sections of the IPC for assault, criminal intimidation, and abuse.
- Relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- Official Stance: While the victim stated he was in the area to collect wood for fuel, plant staff have alleged he was caught attempting to take scrap metal.
Political and Social Reaction
The incident has triggered sharp criticism from tribal rights advocates and political leaders.
“The tribal community will rise up for justice if strict and immediate action is not taken against those who treat human beings with such depravity,” stated tribal leader Kantilal Bhuria.
Authorities have confirmed that both accused individuals were presented before a court on Sunday, May 3, as the investigation continues into why the incident was suppressed for over a month before the video leaked.
(India CSR)
