Jamshedpur: Rs 5,000, one goat, and three chickens as penalty for entering Jaherthan in Jamshedpur

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, July 22: In a controversial move, the villagers of Karandih have imposed a penalty on Monika Hembram, the female Deputy Chief of Karandih, for entering Jaherthan, a sacred site. During a meeting held on Sunday, led by Karandih Gram Pradhan cum Majhi Baba Salkhu Soren, it was decided that Hembram must pay 5,000 rupees, provide one goat, and three chickens as a penalty.

Sengal Majhi Chhita Murmu from Bodra Tola has strongly opposed this decision, arguing that Hembram’s only fault was her visit to Jaherthan on July 7, 2024, to review the renovation plan for the Sarna religious site as part of her duties as a Panchayat representative. Murmu criticized Majhi Baba Salkhu Soren’s decision as anti-women and called for administrative intervention. He emphasized that Hembram’s actions were part of her official responsibilities and not a breach of tradition. Murmu stated that such penalties could discourage women from taking on leadership roles and send a wrong message to society.

Deputy Mukhiya Monika Hembram clarified that she had visited Jaherthan at the request of Majhi Baba and did not enter the worship area. She was unaware of the reason for her summons until the villagers informed her of the penalty. Hembram has been given until August 11 to comply. The matter has also reached Jugsalai Torop Pargana Dashmat Hansda, but no official response has been issued from their end.