SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 26: Tensions flared in Bermo after Dumri MLA Jairam Mahto, representing the Jharkhand Lokantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), forcibly occupied a Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) quarter in the Dhori Colliery area. The incident has led to a standoff between Mahto and Bermo police over eviction efforts.
Supporters Prevent Eviction
Mahto, a resident of Topchachi block in Dhanbad district, arrived at the site with approximately 1,500 supporters to block the police from removing the encroachment.
According to coal company officials, Mahto had earlier submitted an application to the CCL Dhori Area management requesting the allotment of the quarter. However, on Wednesday evening, his supporters reportedly broke the lock and took possession of the property.
Police Involvement but No FIR
Following complaints from colliery officials, police and CISF personnel reached the site around 1 AM on Thursday to address the encroachment. Despite their presence, Mahto’s intervention prevented the eviction. By Thursday evening, no FIR had been registered against any individual involved in the incident.
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Viral Video Highlights Tense Standoff
A video of the confrontation has gone viral on social media, showing Jairam Mahto in a heated exchange with police officials. In the video, Mahto is seen claiming that his status as an MLA gives him the right to occupy the quarter, challenging officers to “shoot him.”
Expressing anger over the police action, Mahto questioned the selective enforcement of rules. “Why aren’t the police evacuating the quarters forcibly occupied by Giridih MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary (AJSU) or the late MLA Jagarnath Mahto (JMM)? I am the Dumri MLA and entitled to quarters for public service,” he argued.
Disputed Allotment of CCL Quarters
The controversy has been further fuelled by the fact that the Bermo Dhori Colliery area, where the disputed quarter is located, does not fall within the Dumri Assembly constituency Mahto represents.
Notably, other quarters occupied by political figures, such as Choudhary and the late Jagarnath Mahto’s kin, were reportedly used as party offices, which adds to the complexity of the dispute.
The situation remains unresolved, with no legal action taken as of Thursday evening.
