Ranchi, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
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, surfaced on social media.
The police station in-charge has lodged an FIR against Mahto, 10 named individuals and around 40-50 unidentified supporters. The incident has also drawn strong reactions from police associations, which have demanded strict action against the MLA and warned of protests if no action is taken.
The dispute followed a case involving the alleged use of forged letterhead, signature and official seal in the name of Yashoda Devi, head of Barapichhari Panchayat. Police detained JLKM leader Ganesh Das on August 21 in connection with the case.
According to the allegations, the forged documents were being used in an attempt to obtain caste, residential and genealogy certificates.
After learning about Das’s detention, Mahto allegedly reached the Barwaadda police station late at night with his supporters. Police alleged that a commotion broke out on the premises and that an attempt was made to forcibly secure Das’s release.
An audio recording of a WhatsApp call, allegedly between Mahto and Ravi Kumar, subsequently circulated on social media. Mahto is allegedly heard using abusive language and threatening the officer. The authenticity of the audio recording, however, has not been independently verified.
Besides 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. Around 40-50 unidentified supporters have also been included.
The case includes allegations of obstructing government work, threatening a police officer, creating a disturbance at the police station and illegally assembling a crowd. Police are also investigating allegations related to the spread of rumours through social media.
Mahto has rejected the allegations and termed the episode a political conspiracy. He said he had gone to the police station to enquire about alleged police brutality against one of his workers.
The JLKM chief has also made counter-allegations, claiming that some people inside the police station attacked him and attempted to strangle him. He further alleged that one of his supporters was robbed of a gold chain and cash.
Mahto has sought a detailed investigation and demanded examination of CCTV footage from the police station to establish what happened.
The alleged threats against the police officer have meanwhile angered police organisations in the state. The Jharkhand Police Association and Jharkhand Police Men’s Association have objected to what they termed unacceptable conduct towards a police officer and demanded action without political pressure.
The organisations have warned that police personnel will protest by wearing black badges if strict action is not taken against the MLA soon. They have also threatened a phased agitation followed by a work boycott.
Police are examining CCTV footage from the Barwaadda police station and surrounding areas and identifying those involved on the basis of the footage and other evidence. The incident has triggered discussion in Dhanbad as well as in Jharkhand’s political circles.
FOLLOW NOW
