THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, June 14: Nearly three weeks after a deadly clash over a land dispute claimed one life and left four others injured, tensions continue to simmer in Rampur village under Chainpur police station in Palamu. The latest flashpoint is a dispute over fishing rights in a local water body, underscoring the deepening mistrust between two rival groups in the village.
Police officials describe Rampur as a sensitive village where disputes over both land and water resources have become recurring sources of conflict.
Fresh Dispute Over Fishing Rights
The latest controversy erupted on Friday when police rushed to a water body locally known as Hurhurwa Dam after receiving information about an alleged attempt to loot fish.
Chainpur police station officer-in-charge Lalji said the police reached the spot following a phone call from local resident Manoj Singh, who alleged that members of another community were looting fish from the water body.
However, police found no evidence of fishing activity or fish being removed from the site.
“We found neither fishing nets nor fish. Some mobile phones and motorcycles were found abandoned near the water body, possibly left behind by people who fled after seeing the police,” Lalji said.
According to police, Singh has accused Dharamdeo Chowdhury and his associates of attempting to seize fish from the water body. Chowdhury, however, claims rights over both the water body and the fish stock and has denied visiting the site or sending anyone there.
Police said Singh’s written complaint is under investigation and that no case will be registered unless the allegations are substantiated.
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Fishery Department Asked to Clarify Status of Water Body
To determine ownership and usage rights, police have sought assistance from the district fisheries department regarding the legal status and nature of the water body.
While locals refer to Hurhurwa as a “dam”, officials describe it as a large ahar, a traditional water harvesting structure.
Village Still Recovering From Deadly Land Dispute
The latest dispute comes against the backdrop of the May 23 violence in Rampur, when a clash over land ownership led to firing that left one person dead and four others injured.
Police said the deceased belonged to the Chowdhury group, which bore the brunt of the firing.
The main accused in the case, Mantu Singh (50), has surrendered before a court. Two others were arrested earlier. Of the 17 named accused, three are currently in custody, while police continue to search for the remaining 14.
Prohibitory Orders in Force Till June 30
Given the fragile situation, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force in the village until June 30.
The order was issued by Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sulochana Meena following a police report warning that the village remained vulnerable to breaches of peace and public tranquillity.
Police personnel are conducting round-the-clock patrols, while efforts are being made to bring influential and moderate voices from both sides together to reduce tensions.
A Village Divided
Sources said distrust between the two groups has intensified since the May 23 incident, with rumours and allegations further widening the divide.
Political parties have largely maintained distance from the conflict, although CPI(ML) recently held a demonstration outside the village, demanding action against those responsible for the violence and resolution of disputes through legal means.
Officials and local residents fear that unless the underlying disputes over land and water are resolved, Rampur could remain one of Palamu’s most volatile villages.