Descendant of freedom fighter ‘killed’ in his village, Hul Divas may not be celebrated

Ranchi, June 25 (HS) Body of Rameshwar Murmu (28) descendant of leaders of Sathal rebellion, Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, was recovered at his village Bhognadih under Barhet police station of Sahibganj district on June 12 while a murder case was registered in this connection on June 16.

Murder case was registered on June 16 but police failed to arrest and interrogate the named accused, Saddam Ansari. Accused surrendered in the court on June 23 and was sent to judicial custody.

Post mortem report suggested that Murmu died due to alcoholism while FIR in murder case suggests that body was recovered following a dispute of Murmu with Ansari over lewd remarks by latter on a tribal girl, daughter of a freedom fighter in the village.

Police claim that the autopsy report cites heart attack and alcoholism as the reason behind the death.

These are some of the facts that have raised doubts in the mind of opposition. and they have demanded a CBI probe into the matter. National vice president of BJP ST front and a retired IPS, Arun Oraon, said an 11-member team of BJP will visit Bhognadih tomorrow and do a thorough probe at its level.

“The way the case is being handled raised doubt over fair investigation in a murder of a person associated with freedom fighters family,” Oraon said. Superintendent of police of the district, Anuranjan Kispotta, said the matter is being investigated under the supervision of a sub divisional police officer of the district.

On delay in registration of murder case, Kispotta said: “After recovery of body a case of unnatural death was registered immediately. It was converted into a murder case after wife of deceased gave an application suspecting it to be a case of murder.. Prayer for remand has been made in the court.”

The area where such an incident has taken place is the assembly constituency of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and declaration of by-election for two assembly seats is scheduled any day in the state. The matter is taking a political colour. Thus Chief Minister Soren has expressed his commitment for a CBI probe in the matter.

“Though state police are investigating the case, we will like the matter to be probed by an agency bigger than CBI if BJP wishes,” Soren said.

According to FIR, Murmu on June 12, was on way to a liquor shop with his cousin, Soben Kisko. On the way he heard Saddam passing lewd remarks on a tribal girl. He took strong exception and a dispute arose. Some exchange of blows also took place. Saddam returned threatening Murmu of dire consequences.  While returning in a drunken state from the shop,  Murmu was alone and taking advantage, Saddam killed him.

Every year on June 30, a Shahid Mela is organised here, which has national level importance, to pay respect to the Hul (rebellion) heroes. It is now a custom that each year with the Chief Minister of state visiting this place to pay respect to Sidho and Kanho. Due to this situation, however, now there is a possibility of disturbance during the programme . Descendants of Murmu are making an appeal to people to not participate in the programme this year.