Jharkhand Villagers Protest Alleged Custodial Murder of BSF Jawan in Khunti

Ranchi – A wave of anger swept through Khunti district of Jharkhand after the suspicious death of a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan in police custody.

On Friday, hundreds of villagers surrounded Murhu police station demanding justice and an impartial investigation, alleging that the case was one of custodial murder.

The deceased was identified as Rahul Manjhi, a BSF jawan posted in Siliguri, West Bengal, who was on extended leave at his native village in Khunti.

According to locals, on September 29, some villagers from Mahil accused Rahul of molestation. Soon after, a group of men, including Bijla Oraon, Moti Oraon, Budhuwa Oraon, and Kartik Munda, allegedly dragged him from his home, tied him up, and beat him before handing him over to the police.

Police, however, claimed that Rahul took his own life by hanging in the lockup toilet on the morning of September 30. But his family strongly disputed this, stating that he had filed a written complaint naming his attackers before being locked up.

“No case was registered against those who attacked him. Instead, he was humiliated, beaten, and left to die in custody. This is murder, not suicide,” said one protesting villager.

Facing public outrage, Khunti Superintendent of Police Manish Toppo suspended Murhu Police Station Officer Ramdev Yadav for negligence. He further assured that strict legal action would follow once the investigation is complete.

Still, locals remain skeptical, calling the suspension a mere formality unless the culprits and complicit policemen are held accountable.

With inputs from IANS