THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, April 27: Palamu district in Jharkhand, especially Daltonganj town, is witnessing a surge in land mafia activities, illegal land grabbing, and disputed property deals, raising serious law and order concerns.
The municipal area, spread over just 3.5 km, has seen what locals describe as “obsessive landlordism” over the past five to six years. Allegations suggest that some police personnel and lower-level land revenue officials have enabled illegal land grabbing, allowing a network of land predators to operate with political patronage.
In a shocking incident that highlights growing land dispute-related violence, the body of a 30-year-old land dealer, Vineet Tiwary, was recovered on Sunday morning from shrubs along NH 39 near Jorkat.
Body Found Along NH 39, Murder Likely Elsewhere
According to Sadar police station in-charge Lalji, police received information around 8:15 am and reached the spot.
“The body was semi-naked. The trousers were found about 10 meters away. No mobile phone or cash was recovered,” police said. The deceased was wearing a black T-shirt.
Initial findings suggest the murder did not take place at the recovery site. “There were no signs of blood or disturbance. The body appears to have been dumped here,” Lalji said.
Abducted from Outside Home, Accused Named in FIR
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sadar) Rajeev Ranjan said Vineet Tiwary was abducted between 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday from outside his residence in Redma, shortly after returning from a cremation.
His father, Binod Tiwary, filed an FIR the same night, naming Mahakaal Pradeep Tiwary and Dilip Tiwary, along with three unidentified persons.
Police carried out overnight raids but were unable to rescue him.
Brutal Assault, No Firearms Used
Police sources confirmed that no firearms were used. “Blunt objects such as iron rods or wooden sticks were used. There were severe injury marks across the body,” sources said.
A family acquaintance described the assault as extremely violent, stating that the victim’s face showed the most severe injuries, indicating a strong personal motive.
Land Dispute Angle Under Investigation
Investigators suspect the murder may be linked to land dealings and disputes. Vineet Tiwary was reportedly involved in property transactions.
Sources indicated that increased police pressure after the abduction may have led the accused to kill him quickly.
One person has been detained, and further investigation is underway.
Public Protest Disrupts Traffic
The incident triggered public outrage in Daltonganj. Protesters blocked traffic at Redma Chowk for nearly an hour, disrupting routes toward Bihar and Ranchi.
Residents expressed concern over the growing influence of the land mafia in the area, where even small land disputes are turning violent.
Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and sought a written assurance from DySP Rajeev Ranjan.
“We will leave no stone unturned, but no fixed timeline can be given,” the officer said.
