Clash erupts between Police, tribal students in Jharkhand, 15 injured

The Jharkhand Police and students from the tribal hostels of KKM College on Saturday (July 27) presented different versions of the skirmish that broke out between them in Pakur district on July 26. While the state police claimed the incident was unrelated to a scheduled protest against Bangladeshi infiltration in the Maheshpur area by a group of tribal students (those allegedly beaten) at the campus, however others refuted the claim, recounting a different version of the incident that injured 15, including six police personnel.

A student speaking on the condition of anonymity revealed that 10 inmates were brutally beaten up by the police as they resisted the forceful entry of law enforcers into the college campus.

"They (police) also spoke about our proposed rally due to be held in the district against the Bangladeshi infiltrators and said students should not indulge in politics," the student said, requesting anonymity.

Significantly, amid the incident, the state BJP unit supported the tribal students, demanding action against the police personnel involved. The saffron party alleged that the students were beaten up by the police as they were preparing to hold a protest.

Authorities' Investigation into Abduction Case

Meanwhile, the police authorities recounted different versions of the incident. Speaking to the media, Pakur Superintendent of Police (SP) Prabhat Kumar claimed the incident was not linked to the proposed rally, as its permission had already been granted by the sub-divisional officer (SDO).

"The Town police station on Friday night received information from a parent that his son had been abducted and was being taken towards the Tinpahar area. The boy's mobile tower location was traced to around KKM College. A local patrolling van comprising a sub-inspector, a constable, and a driver was sent to the location," the SP said.

"Police interrogated some people in the area but did not find any trace of the boy. Then, they found that the gate of the college was open and entered the campus," he added.

SP Kumar further explained that after the police entered the campus and started questioning students about whether they had witnessed anything suspicious, the students questioned how they had entered the college premises without permission, leading to a heated exchange.

"The student went inside the hostel and returned with a large number of other inmates armed with hockey sticks and lathis," he said.

"They beat up the sub-inspector and constable brutally. The police personnel somehow managed to escape from the college with their lives. The students also broke the windshield of the police vehicle," he added.

Moreover, Kumar informed that a police force led by Town police station in-charge Anup Raushan Bhengra was sent to the college campus but was also attacked by the students.

Opposition Demands Action

Meanwhile, the opposition BJP has demanded immediate action against the incident, alleging that the Hemant Soren-led government has crossed "all limits of torture on tribals."

Speaking about the incident, Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand Assembly Amar Bauri said, "Muslim infiltrators grabbed the land of tribals in Gaybathan area in Maheshpur assembly seat. When owners of the land protested, they were beaten up. When the administration did not take any action, tribal organisations in Pakur decided to hold a mega rally on Saturday over the incident. Instead of taking action against infiltrators, police visited a tribal hostel in KKM College and beat up the students brutally, who were scheduled to lead the agitation."

BJP state president Babulal Marandi also demanded action against all the policemen involved in this incident. He alleged that Bangladeshi infiltration continues to pose a threat to the "identity and existence" of Jharkhand.

"Take strict action by filing a case against all the policemen involved in this incident. Pakur deputy commissioner should make proper arrangements for the treatment of all the injured students," Marandi posted on social media.

READ MORE | Jharkhand speaker disqualifies two MLAs under anti-defection law

READ MORE | NIA cracks down on CPI (Maoist) network in Jharkhand, seizes cash, incriminating materials