Ken-Betwa link project row deepens:Women stage protest lying on funeral bier; activist Amit Bhatnagar detained again after release

A political and legal controversy has erupted in Panna district over the detention of social activist Amit Bhatnagar, amid ongoing protests linked to the Ken-Betwa Link Project, the tiger reserve’s core area, and tribal rights. Bhatnagar has been actively supporting tribal communities affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project and the Runjh Dam, raising concerns over compensation, displacement, and rehabilitation. The controversy escalated after he allegedly went “missing” shortly after being released from jail on Monday. Family alleges police took him away after release Late Monday evening, Amit’s brother Ankit Bhatnagar released a video statement accusing the police and jail authorities of illegally detaining him again. According to Ankit, after Amit secured bail from the Ajaygarh court, family members reached the jail to receive him but were informed that he was no longer there. He alleged that a joint team of police and forest department officials took Amit into custody immediately after his release. “If my brother was arrested again, why was the family not informed? Where was he kept during the night? Is this an arrest or a legal abduction?” Ankit questioned in the video message. See 3 pictures of the protest Forest Department say he was detained for protest in core Tiger Reserve Area The matter intensified after Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) Deputy Director B.K. Patel confirmed that Amit Bhatnagar had been detained by the forest department. Officials claimed that Bhatnagar, along with villagers, was protesting in the restricted core area of the tiger reserve near the Dhodhan Dam without permission. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, unauthorized entry into the core area is considered a serious offence. Responding to allegations that the family was not informed, officials stated that Amit’s brother had been notified through WhatsApp and that Amit was also allowed to speak to family members on a mobile phone from the police station. Authorities further said that legal procedures were followed and Bhatnagar was produced before a court on Tuesday. Case registered against Jitu Patwari After reports of Amit Bhatnagar’s disappearance and alleged suppression of tribal protesters surfaced, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari reached Panna. Administrative officials stopped Patwari’s convoy at the Bhusaur checkpoint, following which he reportedly took an alternate route. Patwari, along with Youth Congress vice-president Abhishek Parmar and supporters, allegedly entered the restricted Dhodhan Dam area through forest routes on motorcycles. Addressing tribal villagers there, Patwari criticised the state government over displacement and forest rights issues. Subsequently, the Panna Tiger Reserve management registered a case against Jitu Patwari, Abhishek Parmar, and their supporters under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. Anger grows over displacement and compensation Opposition to the Ken-Betwa project has been intensifying in Panna, especially among tribal families and farmers affected by the proposed Dhodhan Dam. Villagers allege that the compensation survey lacks transparency and that compensation is being distributed without proper procedures. Protesters have also accused authorities of failing to present a clear rehabilitation and resettlement policy. Women protesters demand Amit Bhatnagar’s release Despite Jitu Patwari’s visit, protesting tribal women remained focused on demanding Amit Bhatnagar’s release. Sheela Adivasi, a resident of Palkua village, said, “Jitu Patwari came, but nothing changed. He only spoke about trees being cut, but we did not get justice. We only want Amit Bhatnagar. Justice will come only after he returns.” Another protester, Munni Adivasi, said, “Our first and last demand is Amit Bhatnagar’s release. Until he comes back, we will neither leave this place nor consume food or water. First bring him back, then we can discuss other demands.” Protest escalates into major political issue The Panna Tiger Reserve administration continues to treat the protests inside the core area as violations of wildlife protection laws. With Amit Bhatnagar’s detention and cases registered against Jitu Patwari and others, the issue has further escalated politically. Forest officials are reportedly identifying other protesters involved in the demonstrations, while tribal groups and farmer organizations have expressed growing anger over both the arrests and compensation issues. Protesters have already surrounded the SP office demanding Amit Bhatnagar’s release and fair compensation. What began as a local agitation is now emerging as a major political flashpoint in the state.