‘War’ in 2 MP villages drives men into hiding

It’s an undeclared state of war between tribals and police in Jamanda and Bhutia villages, under Tanda police station in Dhar district, where every other male member is a criminal, according to the police.

Tagged as being ‘criminal’ villages, these men are now being hunted by the police and shunned by everyone. Most have fled the villages or are in hiding.

Situated some 340 km west of Bhopal, the villages came into focus when the police carried out a major raid on January 25, the biggest in recent times, to nab the absconding criminals. Though no one could be arrested, the cops seized several motorcycles and other goods suspecting them to be stolen.

Though raids are not new in these villages, but this time the villagers accused the cops of raping four of their women, a charge which the police have denied. But the NHRC has taken cognizance and the police are also holding a separate inquiry. Local politicians too jumped in with Congress taking the side of the tribals and BJP that of the police.