Villagers protest with weapons against police atrocities at Galudih

GHATSILA: Around 300 villagers of Kalajhore, armed with bow and arrow, spears and swords, gathered at a ground on Monday to protest against the torture of a villager by security forces to ferret out Maoist hideout.

On Friday, the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men on patrolling approached Budhu who was grazing cattle in his village, which is around 45 km from Jamshedupur town.

Villagers alleged that Budhu Murmu (40) was assaulted by the security forces as they refused to believe he wasn’t aware of the way to Maoists’ den.

Murmu said: “They asked me to disclose the hideout of the Maoist group and guide them to the spot”. “I informed them that I am unaware about their where- abouts. They hit me with the rifle butt.” Murmu is unable to walk due to thrashing. According to doctor, “There is a blood clot in his thigh due to trauma”.

Budhu after returning to his village told the villagers about the torture.

CPI leader Dulal Hansda said: “We villagers are staying in rural and forest area so we became Maoists in the eye of Police? What was Murmu’s crime for which he was thrashed by police?” “Police should immediately stop manhandling innocent villagers,” he said.

Ghatsila sub divisional police officer Sanjeeb Kumar Besra said, “I am aware about the incident. Doctor said his injury is not serious”. “I had a discussion with villagers and they have agreed to my proposal to hold meeting with the police to solve the misunderstanding between us.”