Jharkhand News: Lapses in magistrate duty ahead of Bakrid draw Palamu DC’s attention

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

Daltonganj, June 5: Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Chhaterpur, Ashish Gangwar, emerged as a candid whistleblower during the central peace committee meeting held on Thursday at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Smriti Bhavan, ahead of the Bakrid festival. He openly criticized magistrates assigned to law and order duties for frequently avoiding their responsibilities, either by reporting late or completely evading duty.

Ashish’s remarks reflected a widespread issue, as a large number of magistrates drafted for Bakrid duty were conspicuously absent or negligent in fulfilling their law enforcement roles. In response, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sameera S immediately instructed the Circle Officers (COs) to ensure that all magistrates assigned to law and order duties strictly perform their roles without exceptions.

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DC Urges Traditional Observance, Rules Out Processions

Addressing the public, DC Sameera S urged Bakrid celebrants to observe the festival in its traditional form without introducing any new customs. She emphasized that Bakrid should be celebrated with its customary solemnity, explicitly prohibiting any processions, as the festival historically does not include them.

During the meeting, a proposal was made to designate a specific site for the disposal of Qurbani residues. However, Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) M. Shabbir Ahmad firmly rejected this, stating that Qurbani is a personal responsibility, and the administration will not provide a burial site for animal remains.

Security Concerns Addressed

A concern was raised regarding an electricity pole obstructing the path of a small procession planned to mark the advent of Muharram. Executive Engineer Santosh Kumar assured the committee members that the pole would be relocated smoothly without causing any disturbance.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Reeshma Ramesan cautioned the police about the possible influx of Bakrid devotees from neighboring Bihar who might disrupt peace and harmony. She stressed that such movements must be closely monitored.

Additionally, she warned that nights immediately before and after the festival are particularly vulnerable to communal disturbances, which must be suppressed decisively using law enforcement.

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Sensitive Zones Identified, Daily Monitoring Ordered

SDPO Sadar, Mani Bhushan Prasad, presented statistics regarding the mosques where Bakrid prayers will be held, along with information on individuals currently under restraining orders under Section 126 of the BNSS. SDPO Hussainabad, S Mohammad Yakub, highlighted fragile communal relations in Data Nagar, where the police presence will be significantly strengthened.

Finally, Additional Collector Kundan Kumar instructed magistrates to submit khairyat (welfare) reports twice daily—at 1 PM and 3 PM—for the three days surrounding the festival, ensuring continuous monitoring of law and order.