Dumka: Three employees of a Haryana-based power company were allegedly detained for several hours by residents of Badalpada village in the district on Monday when they went to undertake land survey for an allocated coal block in Shikaripara. The administration intervened and ensured their release early on Tuesday.The protesters, including several women, alleged that works had begun without conducting the gram sabha or obtaining its consent. As tensions escalated, the crowd detained the three employees.Sources said that the company officials and staff reached the site to begin drilling work, but as soon as they started operating machines, a large number of villagers gathered and surrounded them objecting to the work.Upon receiving information, Shikaripara circle officer Kapil Dev Thakur and officer in-charge of local police station Amit Lakra reached the spot. Later, Dumka SDM Kaushal Kumar and sub-divisional police officer Vijay Kumar Mahto also rushed to the scene, directing additional police forces to the area.The SDM said that the company’s employees had gone for a land survey but faced opposition from locals over alleged lack of consent. “The situation was brought under control and the staff were safely released,” he said.Lakra said that the matter has been resolved through dialogue and no case was lodged in connection with the incident.Locals, however, threatened to continue their agitation in future as well.On Feb 20, 2024, trainee IAS officer Pranjal Dhandha and other govt personnel were detained by villagers in the coal block area of Latakandar in Shikaripara.