Overview
- Bhati’s protest, which escalated Tuesday at the Barmer collectorate, saw him pour petrol on himself before police and supporters restrained him.
- Officials moved him inside the collectorate for negotiations, and Bhati said the late-night talks ended without a full agreement.
- The long-running dispute at RSMML’s Giral lignite mines involves claims of broken job promises and demands for reinstatement, eight-hour shifts, statutory bonuses, and basic facilities.
- Thousands of labourers and villagers joined the march to Barmer, with police blocking vehicles near the BSF gate before the crowd proceeded on foot to the collectorate.
- A circulating video captures Bhati saying “Mujhe maaro, unhe mat maaro,” and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the state government’s handling of the workers’ protest.