Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Ken-Betwa Protest Leader Detained After 14-Day Fast
A man named Amit Bhatnagar and around 150 other protesters were detained by the police in Madhya Pradesh.
They were protesting against a big project called the Ken-Betwa Link Project, which involves building a dam and canals to move water from one river to another.
The protesters say the government is not being fair in giving money to people who will lose their homes because of the project.
They also say there are problems with the records of meetings where these decisions were made.
The government says most of the protesters are not even affected by the project and are raising issues about other dams.
The protest leader, Amit Bhatnagar, had been on a hunger strike for 14 days before he was taken to the hospital.
Ken-Betwa protest leader Amit Bhatnagar was detained after a 14-day fast.
Around 150 protesters were detained and sent to Panna district.
Protesters allege irregularities in land acquisition and compensation for the Ken-Betwa Link Project.
The government claims most protesters are not directly affected by the project.
Protesters and the government have differing views on the authenticity of Gram Sabha proceedings.
- Who
- Amit Bhatnagar and around 150 protesters
- What
- Detention of protest leader and demonstrators
- When
- Sunday morning
- Where
- Chhatarpur district’s Kupi village, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- Protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and alleged irregularities in land acquisition and compensation
Protesters
Government
Land Acquisition and Compensation
Protesters
Protesters allege irregularities in land acquisition and compensation, claiming that compensation was given to people not connected to the village.
Government
The government denies irregularities, stating that compensation was given for acquired land and not based on residential status.
Gram Sabha Proceedings
Protesters
Protesters claim that Gram Sabha proceedings contain identical entries and were held at impossible times, questioning their authenticity.
Government
The government asserts that there are no irregularities in the Gram Sabha records.
Protester Origins
Protesters
Protesters are primarily affected by the Ken-Betwa project and are raising genuine grievances.
Government
The government claims that 90% of the protesters are not directly affected by the project and have issues with other dam projects.
- Project Cost
- Rs 44,605 crore
- Project Aim
- Irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower
- Families Displaced
- Nearly 2,000
- Protest Duration
- 14 days
- Protesters Detained
- Around 150
- Protest Leader
- Amit Bhatnagar
- Project Location
- Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
Sources
Ken-Betwa protest leader Amit Bhatnagar detained after 14-day fast, 150 others taken away in buses
MP's 15-day Ken-Betwa protest ends abruptly as police clear riverbank sit-in
MP: Leader of agitation against Ken-Betwa river linking project detained, police clear protest site