The incident occurred on Tuesday at the KCC site office located within the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Dipka mining area. According to police and company officials, KCC Project Manager Mahesh Kumar was attacked after an argument with employees escalated into violence. The dispute reportedly began over attendance and leave-related issues.

Company officials said a verbal exchange between Mahesh Kumar and some workers intensified rapidly, leading to physical assault. The employees allegedly punched and kicked the project manager and also hurled a flower pot at him, causing damage to office property. A window at the site office was broken during the incident, adding to the disruption.

Following information about the assault, Dipka police reached the spot along with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Quick Reaction Team. Security personnel intervened to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation.

KCC’s L&R Head (GM) Vikas Dubey stated that the disagreement stemmed from a leave-related issue that was “unnecessarily blown out of proportion” by a few individuals. He said the management was attempting to resolve the matter when the situation turned violent, resulting in the attack on the project manager.

However, workers presented a different account. They said a Chhattisgarhi cultural programme was organised in Dipka on Monday, for which some labourers had taken leave. Upon returning, their attendance was allegedly marked absent, leading to resentment. The workers further alleged that Mahesh Kumar’s behaviour towards them had been consistently harsh, which contributed to rising anger among staff.

Based on Mahesh Kumar’s complaint and a review of CCTV footage from the site office, Dipka police registered a case against the accused employees under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 296, 351(3), 115(2), and 3(5). Police officials confirmed that statements from both sides have been recorded and further inquiry is in progress to establish individual roles and responsibility.

The incident has once again highlighted tensions between management and workers in industrial areas, particularly in coal belt regions where labour-management disputes are frequent. Authorities said strict action would be taken if the allegations are substantiated, while also emphasising the need to maintain workplace discipline and lawful grievance redressal mechanisms.