Jharkhand Panchayat Sevak’s Suicide Sparks Massive Protest Outside Giridih Block Office

Giridih (Jharkhand) – Tensions flared in Dumri block of Jharkhand’s Giridih district after the alleged suicide of Panchayat Sevak Sukhlal Mahato, who consumed poison on the premises of the block office, accusing four individuals of harassment — including the Block Development Officer (BDO) and the husband of the local Mukhiya.

The incident triggered massive outrage, with hundreds of locals staging a protest outside the block office from Sunday night until Monday afternoon, keeping Mahato’s body at the protest site as a mark of protest.

The agitation intensified on Monday morning after Dumri MLA Jairam Mahato joined the protest, demanding justice and accountability.

Later, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Santosh Gupta, representing the Deputy Commissioner, held discussions with the grieving family and the MLA. Following administrative assurances, the family agreed to call off the protest and proceed with the last rites.

As per the agreement, the administration has assured that an FIR will be lodged against the four individuals named in Mahato’s suicide note — BDO Anvesha Ona, Employment Officer Anil Kumar, and Parmeshwar Nayak, husband of the Baltharia Panchayat Mukhiya, along with another person. The letter accuses them of repeated mental harassment.

The administration has also promised to provide a government job to one dependent of the deceased.

Mahato, a resident of Kulgo village, was posted as Panchayat Sevak in Baltharia village under the Dumri block. On June 13, he consumed pesticide after submitting a letter to the local MLA detailing the alleged harassment he faced. He later died during treatment at RIMS Hospital in Ranchi on June 15.

In the wake of the tragedy, protesters staged an overnight demonstration outside the block office, demanding justice.

The Giridih district administration had already constituted an inquiry committee on June 14, following directions from the state government. The committee includes Additional Collector Vijay Singh Birua, SDM Santosh Kumar Gupta, Headquarters DSP Neeraj Kumar Singh, and Dr. Ravi Maharshi.

With inputs from IANS