Seven Held in Murder of Influential Tribal Village Head in Jharkhand’s Khunti District
Seven arrested as land dispute murder exposes deep-rooted tensions.
Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of a prominent tribal village head in Jharkhand’s Khunti district, police confirmed on Wednesday, describing the arrests as a significant development in an investigation that has drawn widespread attention across the state.
The victim, Soma Munda, was shot dead on January 7 while returning home on a motorcycle with his wife along the Namkum–Jamuadag Road. Munda, a respected tribal leader, had also contested the 2024 assembly elections from the Khunti constituency on an Abua Jharkhand Party ticket and held the traditional title of Adel Sanga Padha Raja, representing 22 villages.
Khunti Superintendent of Police Manish Toppo said the murder stemmed from a prolonged dispute over 3.16 acres of land located in Jiarappa village under the Khunti police station limits. The land, authorities noted, holds deep cultural and social significance for the local tribal population.
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According to police findings, a Ranchi-based resident, Devbrat Nath Shahdeo, allegedly attempted to sell the disputed land after acquiring it from descendants of former landlords, reportedly with the assistance of certain local intermediaries. Munda and several villagers strongly opposed the move, asserting that the land had long been used for the annual Padha Jatra Mela, a traditional fair of great importance to the community.
Tensions escalated further last November when levelling work was undertaken on the land and stone boundary markers were reportedly removed, actions that Munda had publicly resisted. Police said these events led to the hatching of a criminal conspiracy, ultimately resulting in his killing. While seven suspects, including the prime accused, have been taken into custody, a manhunt continues for two shooters and other individuals believed to be linked to the crime.
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