Dhanbad Hospital and Court Road Dispute Intensifies, Police Step In
The ongoing conflict between advocates and health workers at Dhanbad Sadar Hospital regarding the closure of a road accessing the court premises reached a critical point on Thursday. The situation deteriorated significantly after health workers leveled serious accusations against the advocates.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations Fly
Health workers at the hospital claimed that individuals broke through the hospital's boundary wall and pelted stones, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. In response, they urgently demanded the deployment of additional security personnel to safeguard the area and ensure their protection.
The Dhanbad Bar Association swiftly denied all allegations, characterizing them as a deliberate conspiracy aimed at tarnishing the reputation of their ongoing protests. Bar Association president Radheshyam Goswami firmly stated that lawyers did not engage in any acts of vandalism. He called for an impartial and thorough investigation into the entire incident to uncover the truth.
Administration and Police Take Control
A substantial police contingent, led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Lokesh Barange and DSP (Law and Order) Naushad Alam, promptly arrived at the scene. Their immediate intervention was crucial in bringing the volatile situation under control and preventing further escalation.
In a significant development aimed at resolving the core issue, the district administration announced it would provide a six-foot-wide passage within the court premises. This measure is designed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted movement for all parties involved, addressing one of the key grievances raised during the protests.
Dialogue and Ongoing Negotiations
Subsequent talks were conducted between the administration and representatives of the Bar Association to defuse tensions and find a lasting solution. Radheshyam Goswami confirmed that discussions on all pertinent issues had been successfully completed with the administrative officials.
"A general body meeting will be convened on Friday to deliberate and decide on ending the ongoing pen-down strike," Goswami announced, indicating a potential path toward resolution. However, he reiterated the demand for a fair probe into the allegations of property damage and stone-pelting.
Background and Current Security Measures
The lawyers' agitation, which has been ongoing for the past week, primarily revolves around access roads and parking facilities near the court. While the administration's decision to create a new passage has generated optimism for a peaceful resolution, underlying tensions have not completely subsided.
SDM Lokesh Barange emphasized that continuous efforts are being made to restore calm through sustained dialogue with both conflicting parties. He provided clear assurance that the incidents involving damage to the boundary wall and stone-pelting would be rigorously investigated. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty of wrongdoing, he affirmed.
In light of the recent clashes, security arrangements have been significantly tightened in and around both the court premises and the Sadar Hospital area. This precautionary step aims to prevent any further incidents and maintain public order as negotiations continue.
