Last Rites Delayed for Fifth Day
Jamshedpur: Protests intensified in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district on Saturday as villagers blocked National Highway-18 near Putru village to protest the murder of Tara Pado Mahato, husband of a deputy mukhiya and a Common Service Centre (CSC) operator. The highway blockade led to major traffic disruption, while the victim’s last rites could not be performed even on the fifth day after the killing.
The agitation began around 3 pm in the Galudih police station area, where a large number of villagers, including many women, gathered on NH-18 demanding the arrest of all accused involved in the murder, security for the bereaved family, and other relief measures.
Anticipating the protest, heavy police deployment had been in place since Friday night. Senior officers and police personnel were stationed in and around Putru village from early morning. Despite elaborate administrative preparations, protestors went ahead with the highway blockade, bringing vehicular movement to a halt. A large contingent of police remains deployed at the site to prevent escalation.
Murder over land dispute
Tara Pado Mahato was shot dead on the evening of January 12 at his CSC centre in Khadiya Colony, reportedly following a land dispute. Police have so far arrested two accused and sent them to jail. However, the victim’s family members and villagers have been demanding the immediate arrest of all other accused, refusing to allow the cremation until their demands are met.
Due to the standoff, even the post-mortem examination was delayed. After completion of formalities, the autopsy was finally conducted on Saturday, but the last rites could not be held as protests continued.
Administration under pressure
The continued blockade of NH-18 has added to the administration’s challenges, with traffic congestion affecting commuters and goods movement. Officials are engaged in talks with protestors to restore normalcy and ensure the funeral rites are carried out, while assuring further action in the investigation.
The incident has triggered widespread anger in the Galudih region, highlighting growing concerns over law and order and delays in justice in rural Jharkhand.
