SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, April 9: Dumri MLA Jayram Mahto has lodged a police complaint against Bokaro Congress MLA Sweta Singh and her supporters, alleging misbehaviour and an attack on his vehicle during recent unrest in Bokaro.
According to Mahto’s statement, the incident occurred on April 3 during a bandh called in response to a police lathi-charge that left one of his supporters, Prem Prasad, dead. Mahto said he had visited Bokaro General Hospital to meet the bereaved family before proceeding to the BSL gate to speak with protesting displaced youths.
In his complaint, the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader claimed that Sweta Singh and her supporters confronted him at the protest site, questioned his presence in Bokaro, and allegedly threatened him before attacking his car, damaging the number plate.
Based on his application filed on April 7, Bokaro Steel City Police registered an FIR on Tuesday under various IPC sections, including charges of assault and issuing threats.
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Mahto, a vocal youth leader, stated he would not be deterred from standing with the people, adding, “I’m not just an MLA for Dumri, but a representative for those in pain across the state.”
Sweta Singh, daughter-in-law of late veteran leader Samresh Singh, could not be reached for comment.
Background
The recent altercation between Dumri MLA Jayram Mahto and Bokaro MLA Sweta Singh appears to stem from a series of contentious events involving Mahto in the Bokaro district. In December 2024, Mahto was involved in a significant incident concerning the alleged illegal occupation of a Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) quarter in Bokaro’s Dhori area. Reports indicate that Mahto and his supporters attempted to take over a CCL quarter allocated to management trainees, leading to a confrontation with CCL officials and local police. During this episode, Mahto reportedly made assertive remarks, including stating that he carries his legislative authority “in his pocket.
“This assertive approach has drawn varied reactions from political circles. While some view Mahto’s actions as reflective of his commitment to his constituents, others criticise them as overly aggressive and potentially detrimental to democratic norms.
The culmination of these events set the stage for the April 3, 2025, incident during the Bokaro bandh. Mahto’s presence at the protest site, following the death of his supporter Prem Prasad, led to a confrontation with Sweta Singh and her supporters. This encounter resulted in Mahto filing an FIR against Singh, alleging misbehaviour and an attack on his vehicle. This sequence of events underscores the escalating tensions and complex political dynamics between the two MLAs in the region.
