Madhya Pradesh Official Confronts Farmers During Fertilizer Shortage Crisis: Allegations of Physical Assault Spark Investigation

Bhopal: A significant controversy has emerged in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district during a government fertilizer distribution event. When the subsidized fertilizer supply ran out, tensions escalated rapidly. Naib Tehsildar Ritu Singhai of Saunra Mandal allegedly slapped a student and physically confronted farmers who were protesting the shortage. Accusations include grabbing a farmer by the collar and assaulting a female participant. Videos documenting the confrontation have been circulating within the local community.

Chhatarpur Collector Parth Jaiswal has formally issued a notice requesting an immediate explanation from the officer. The notice clearly states that if her response is deemed inadequate, disciplinary measures will be implemented.

The confrontation took place in Para village, where hundreds of farmers had assembled since early morning hoping to obtain urea fertilizer.

According to Gudiya Patel, a student present at the scene, when she requested a distribution token, the Naib Tehsildar informed her that women would not receive tokens. Upon repeating her request, she claims she was slapped by the officer.

The student further alleged that following the assault, the officer recorded her name and Aadhaar identification number while threatening legal action against her.

The 23-year-old stated she had been attempting to purchase fertilizer for three consecutive weeks without success. She and other women had been waiting in queues from 2 am daily but consistently failed to receive any fertilizer.

During this particular distribution, counters opened behind schedule, and the Tehsildar announced that tokens could not be issued due to overwhelming crowds. She indicated that fresh token distribution would commence from December 6.

Farmers reported waiting in line since dawn, but only a small number received tokens despite the arrival of urea supplies.

A substantial group of farmers subsequently blocked traffic on Satai Road, demanding immediate fertilizer distribution.

Protesters voiced slogans criticizing the administration for mismanagement and alleged that urea was being diverted to the black market at inflated prices of Rs 300-500 per bag.

Reports indicate more than 600 farmers had queued near the grain market throughout the entire day, but many departed empty-handed.

Farmers explained that persistent urea shortages in their area had forced them to travel repeatedly to different locations without success. Similar road blockades have recently occurred in Shivpuri and Dhar districts due to fertilizer shortages.

Additional Collector Milan Nagdave visited the location and confirmed all five distribution counters were operational, though the situation remained under review. He emphasized that government officials must demonstrate restraint when dealing with distressed citizens and indicated further action would follow after examining the officer's explanation.

Following the confrontation, Naib Tehsildar Ritu Singhai's health deteriorated, resulting in her admission to Chhatarpur District Hospital for medical treatment.

Officials noted she had been working continuously on fertilizer distribution operations for several days without interruption.

This incident has intensified frustration among the farming community, who are demanding immediate resolution to the ongoing fertilizer crisis affecting the district.