According to police, around 15 individuals armed with sticks and blunt weapons stormed the premises of Shri Shyam Ethanol and Spirits Pvt. Ltd. at approximately 10 pm on January 18. The plant falls under the jurisdiction of the Naila outpost. Investigators said the attack was aimed at asserting control over disputed land on which the industrial unit is being built.
CCTV footage shows the attackers arriving in a group, verbally abusing the guards and then forcing their way into the plant. The assailants allegedly assaulted on-duty security staff with lathis and iron rods, leaving four guards injured. One of them sustained serious head injuries and is undergoing treatment, police said.
Officials identified some of the accused as Bhaskar Patel, Mojha Patel and Manki Patel, along with 10 to 12 others. Police said the suspects are known in the area and have been involved in earlier disputes related to illegal occupation of land. After the assault, the attackers allegedly threatened the guards with dire consequences before fleeing the scene.
The injured security personnel were rushed to a nearby hospital, where their medical examination reports confirmed grievous injuries in at least one case. Based on the statements of the victims, CCTV evidence and medical findings, police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to attempted culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation and rioting.
A senior police official said the footage has been seized and is being analysed to establish individual roles. “The motive appears to be land dominance. Complaints regarding illegal occupation of government and industrial land in the Mudpar area have been received earlier as well. The accused have been identified, and teams have been formed to arrest them at the earliest,” the officer said.
Police added that additional and more stringent sections could be invoked as the investigation progresses. Security at the plant has been strengthened to prevent further incidents, and local intelligence units have been alerted.
The attack has raised concerns among industrial operators in the region, who have sought stronger protection against land-related violence. Authorities said strict action will be taken to ensure the safety of workers and safeguard industrial investments in the district.
