Two men were arrested on Friday in connection with the brutal assault of a woman police constable during an anti-mining protest in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage after disturbing visuals surfaced on social media. Police officials said more people involved in the attack are being identified on the basis of statements from the arrested accused and digital evidence, including videos circulated online.

The incident took place last week at Tamnar, a tribal-dominated area in Raigarh district, where local residents were protesting against a proposed coal block allotment and demanding the cancellation of a public hearing linked to the project. The protest, which began peacefully, later escalated into violence, resulting in injuries, arson, and extensive damage to public and private property.

The woman constable was part of the police deployment at the protest site when clashes broke out. According to officials, as tensions flared, she was left isolated in an open field amid the chaos. It was during this time that she was allegedly attacked by a group of men. A video of the assault, which began circulating on social media on Thursday, shows the constable on the ground, crying and pleading for mercy while two men allegedly tear her clothes and question her presence at the site.

In the video, the constable is heard repeatedly requesting the men to let her go. With folded hands, she pleads, “Do not tear, brother. I will not do anything. I did not hit anyone.” One of the accused is seen pulling at her clothes, while another records the assault on his mobile phone. The second man is also seen threatening her with a sandal and shouting at her. The visuals triggered sharp reactions across political and social circles, with many describing the incident as horrifying and deeply disturbing.

Inspector General of Police (Bilaspur Range) Sanjeev Shukla confirmed that two accused have been arrested so far. He said the police have registered serious charges against them, including attempt to murder and loot, among other sections. “More people involved in the incident are being identified based on the statements of the arrested accused and digital evidence available with us,” Shukla said, adding that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are likely.

The assault occurred in the backdrop of violent clashes between protesters and security personnel. Locals in Tamnar and surrounding villages had gathered to oppose a public hearing for the allotment of a coal block, arguing that the project would lead to displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental damage. Many villagers claimed that mining activities would severely impact agriculture, forest resources, and traditional ways of life in the region.

As the protest intensified, clashes reportedly broke out when police attempted to remove demonstrators from the site. According to police, protesters resorted to stone-throwing, injuring two officials. During the violence, two police vehicles and an ambulance were set ablaze. Protesters also stormed a coal handling plant, torched a conveyor belt, set fire to two vehicles, and vandalised an office, causing significant damage.

Protesters, however, alleged that the situation escalated due to police action. They claimed that attempts to forcibly disperse the crowd led to panic and anger, which then spiralled into violence. During the clashes, a group of women protesters allegedly assaulted police officer Kamla Pusam, further highlighting the intensity of the confrontation.

The Opposition Congress reacted strongly after the video of the assault on the woman constable came to light. The party shared a blurred version of the video on social media, calling the incident extremely disturbing. In a statement, the Congress said that if even a woman police constable is not safe while on duty, it raises serious questions about women’s security and the overall law-and-order situation in the state.

State Congress communication head Sushil Anand Shukla described the assault as horrifying and shameful. He said the government must introspect on the reasons behind the growing anger against the police and administration. According to him, incidents like these reflect a deeper crisis of trust, with people increasingly losing faith in the system. While condemning the violence, he also urged the authorities to address the grievances of local communities and ensure that protests are handled in a manner that prevents such tragic outcomes.

The incident has also renewed debate over the handling of protests related to mining and industrial projects in tribal and rural areas. Chhattisgarh has witnessed several such protests in recent years, with communities often expressing fears of displacement, environmental degradation, and inadequate rehabilitation. Critics argue that a lack of meaningful dialogue between authorities and affected communities often leads to confrontations that spiral out of control.

A day after the violence in Tamnar, the Raigarh district administration announced that it had initiated the process to cancel the public hearing for the proposed coal block allotment. Officials said the decision was taken in view of the prevailing situation and concerns raised by local residents. However, they did not clarify whether the project itself would be reviewed or scrapped.

For the police, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the assaulted constable and holding all those responsible accountable. Senior officers have reiterated that attacks on police personnel, particularly incidents involving sexual violence or humiliation, will be dealt with sternly. At the same time, they have stressed the need to restore peace in the area and prevent further escalation.

The assault on the woman constable has once again highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by women in uniform, especially during volatile law-and-order situations. While police forces across the country have increased the deployment of women personnel, incidents like this underline the risks they continue to face and the need for stronger safeguards, better crowd-control strategies, and accountability mechanisms.

As investigations continue, the case has become a flashpoint for broader discussions on protest policing, women’s safety, and the balance between development and the rights of local communities. With more arrests expected and political scrutiny intensifying, the coming days are likely to see continued focus on both the criminal proceedings and the underlying issues that led to the violence in Tamnar.