Ranchi, Aug 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) A controversy has erupted in Jharkhand after an audio clip allegedly featuring Jharkhand Loktantrik Kranti Morcha (JLKM) chief and Dumri MLA Jairam Mahto abusing and threatening the in-charge of Dhanbad's Barwaadda police station, Ravi Kumar, went viral on social media.
Following the incident, the station in-charge lodged an FIR against Mahto, along with 10 named individuals and around 40-50 unidentified supporters.
The development has also triggered strong reactions from the various police associations, which have warned of protests if strict action is not taken against the MLA.
The controversy began after a case involving the alleged use of a forged letterhead, signature, and official seal in the name of Yashoda Devi, head of Barapichhari Panchayat, came to light. Police detained JLKM leader Ganesh Das on August 21 in connection with the case.
According to the allegations, forged documents were being used in an attempt to obtain caste certificates, residential certificates and genealogy certificates.
After learning about Ganesh Das's detention, Mahto reportedly reached the Barwaadda police station late at night along with his supporters.
Police alleged that a commotion broke out inside the police station premises and that an attempt was made to forcibly secure the release of Ganesh Das, who had been detained in connection with the case.
Amid the confrontation, an audio recording of a WhatsApp call, allegedly between Mahto and station in-charge Ravi Kumar, surfaced on social media.
In the recording, the MLA is allegedly heard using abusive language and issuing threats to the police officer. However, the authenticity of the viral audio clip has not been independently verified.
Apart from Jairam Mahto, the FIR names Dilip Choudhary, Sushil Mandal, Mahendra Saw, Rajkumar Mandal, Jitendra Hazari, Ajay Das, Golak Mahato, Ranjit Kumar, and Rajesh Mahato as accused. The names were included in the FIR on the basis of the written complaint submitted by station in-charge Ravi Kumar.
In addition to these, 40 to 50 unidentified supporters have also been named as accused. Police have registered a case on various charges, including obstructing government work, threatening police officers, creating a ruckus in the police station premises, and allegedly gathering a crowd illegally. Allegations of spreading rumours through social media are also being investigated.
Meanwhile, MLA Mahto has rejected the allegations levelled by the police and described the entire episode as a political conspiracy. He claimed that he had gone to the police station only to inquire about alleged police brutality against one of his workers.
The JLKM chief also levelled counter-allegations, claiming that some people present inside the police station premises attacked him and attempted to strangle him. He further alleged that his supporter was robbed of a gold chain and cash during the incident.
Mahto has demanded a detailed investigation into the entire episode and called for the CCTV footage from the police station premises to be examined to establish what actually happened.
The alleged threatening language used against the station in-charge has meanwhile triggered anger among police organisations in Jharkhand. The Jharkhand Police Association and Jharkhand Police Men's Association have strongly objected to what they described as unacceptable behaviour towards a police officer.
Police organisations have demanded that legal action be taken in the matter without any political pressure.
They have also warned that if strict action is not taken against the MLA soon, police officers will protest by wearing black badges. They have also warned that a phased movement and work boycott will follow.
Police are currently examining CCTV footage from the Barwada police station premises and surrounding areas.
Police officials say they are identifying those involved in the incident based on the footage and other evidence. This case has become a topic of discussion in Dhanbad as well as in the state's political circles.
Source: IANS
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