India, Dec. 13 -- Authorities have asked Chandigarh-based Dune Ethanol Pvt Ltd to stop work on a proposed ethanol factory in Rathikheda village of Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district.

Police and administrative officials took the decision on the evening of December 12, 2025, following a violent farmers' protest two days earlier. Further action would be taken only after a thorough investigation of the apprehensions expressed by farmers.

On December 10, thousands of farmers from dozens of villages gathered for a Maha Panchayat outside the sub divisional magistrate's office in Tibbi tehsil, where Rathikheda village is located.

Speakers repeatedly emphasised that despite a year-and-a half of peaceful protests, neither the government nor the co...