Road blocked in protest against murder in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur: The city grapples with unrest as family members and residents staged a roadblock outside Sitaramdera police station on Friday. The protest aimed to press for the registration of an FIR based on the statement provided by Taklu Lohar’s wife, Ritu Lohar, and demanded swift arrests of the accused in the murder case. Taklu Lohar was fatally shot on Thursday near Bhuiyadih Chaudhary Hotel under Sitaramdera police station, with his partner Manas sustaining injuries in the attack.

According to the injured Manas’s statement, the police initiated a murder case against unknown individuals. However, dissatisfied with the progress, family members and locals took to the streets, causing a roadblock near Slag Road in the Sitaramdera police station area. Police efforts were required to alleviate the ensuing traffic congestion.

Ritu Lohar, the grieving widow, has accused prominent Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leaders, including Baban Rai, Dubraj Nag, Masuk Manish, Domni Semsang, and Saurabh Dalai, of involvement in Taklu’s murder. She revealed that Taklu had expressed fears of a threat to his life, specifically naming Baban Rai and Dubraj Nag as potential culprits. The widow insisted that Taklu, accompanied by friends Manas, Ajay Rai, and Suraj, had visited Sitaramdera police station at 2 o’clock on Thursday afternoon to report the perceived danger.

Disturbing CCTV footage of the incident has emerged, capturing the assailants fleeing the scene. Notably, a police PCR vehicle is visible near the location, leaving as Taklu is shot. The footage indicates the shooter escaping on a bike towards the burning ghat, where two others were already waiting. Ritu Lohar also disclosed that Taklu had been receiving Reiki sessions in the days leading up to the incident.

In response to the allegations, JMM leader Baban Rai denied any acquaintance with Taklu and called for an impartial police investigation. He pledged full cooperation and expressed readiness to face legal consequences if implicated. Meanwhile, family members insisted they would not cremate Taklu’s body until the accused were apprehended.

The tragic incident unfolded as Taklu Lohar and three friends left home on Thursday for a car puncture repair. An unknown assailant opened fire, leading to Taklu’s demise. Manas, attempting to apprehend the shooter, suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand. Taklu was rushed to MGM for initial treatment and later referred to TMH, where doctors declared him dead. The investigation is ongoing, with the community anxiously awaiting justice for Taklu Lohar.