Chandrapur: The police forcibly shifted environment activist Bandu Dhotre, who has been on an food renunciation protest against the proposed Lohardongri iron ore mine in Tadoba wildlife corridor, to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) around 11.40pm Monday night triggering sharp reactions from environmental groups and supporters. The police acted, citing concerns over his health, after his protest outside the Chandrapur district collectorate entered fifth day.The move came amid growing political attention to the protest, a day after Chandrapur MP Pratibha Dhanorkar extended support and assured that the issue would be raised in the Lok Sabha, while MLC Sudhakar Adbale highlighted the matter in the State Legislative Assembly.Despite being hospitalised, Dhotre continued his protest, refusing to take food or oral medication. Hospital authorities have reportedly administered treatment through intravenous fluids under medical supervision. Dhotre’s supporters and his organisation Eco-Pro workers continued the agitation at the venue in his absence.Sources said Dhotre had earlier undergone a routine medical examination and had stated in writing, while fully conscious, that he did not wish to be hospitalised. Supporters allege that the police intervention was unnecessary as his condition was stable.Environmental groups strongly criticised the midnight action. Activist Yogeshwar Doodhpachare said the administration appeared and alleged that Dhotre was taken away.The agitation, led by Eco-Pro president Dhotre, seeks to draw attention to the rising number of groups supporting the cause and organised a symbolic ‘thali bajao’ demonstration at the protest venue. Members of Jijau Brigade, Mahila Congress Committee Chandrapur, Eco-Pro, local self-help groups, the Radhakrishna Yoga Group and Khawatine-e-Islam participated in the protest.
