THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, April 1: In a rapid 24-hour operation, Daltonganj town police foiled a kidnapping and contract killing plot linked to a land dispute in Palamu district, arresting eight accused and seizing arms and ammunition.
The disputed land is located in Pahari Mohalla of Daltonganj, allegedly targeted by a network of white-collared individuals and local criminals. Police say such cases highlight how land disputes in Jharkhand are increasingly tied to organized crime and contract killings.
The operation was led by Officer-in-Charge Jyoti Lal Rajwar. SP Reeshma Ramesan, during a press briefing, stated that the case exposes the involvement of influential individuals working behind the scenes.
Assault Led to Police Action
According to police, Anand Kumar Ravi was attacked in Bhatti Mohalla on March 30 and suffered serious injuries. He filed an FIR on March 31, naming eight accused.
Acting on a tip-off the same night, police learned that the accused were fleeing Daltonganj in an SUV. A checking operation was set up near the Beesfutta Bridge, where the vehicle was intercepted.
Arms, Ammunition Recovered
Police recovered a 9mm pistol, 15 live rounds, and four mobile phones from the SUV. No cash was found. All eight accused were arrested on the spot.
The accused have been identified as Saddam, Chotu, Suraj, Ritesh, Wasim, Wasim Akram, Roshan, and Kishu. All are aged between 25 and 30 and have multiple criminal cases against them. They were sent to judicial custody on April 1.
Motive: Contract Killing Linked to Land Dispute
SP Ramesan said that Saddam had learned that Ravi allegedly took contract money to kill him. In response, Saddam attacked Ravi first.
Police also confirmed that a planned kidnapping of Ravi was prevented due to timely intervention.
Pattern of Rising Criminal Nexus
Officials noted that this is the second such case in the region where the intended target attacked first, referring to a similar incident in Chainpur.
The SP emphasised that land disputes, contract money, and the desire for dominance are pushing both criminals and white-collared individuals into organised crime. Strict legal action will follow, she added.