Babulal Marandi questions FIR against five Adivasis over worship attended by CM Hemant Soren

Ranchi: A religious ceremony attended by Chief Minister Hemant Soren at Marang Buru's Dishom Manjhi Than in Giridih has once again come under the spotlight, with Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi questioning why five tribal villagers were booked in connection with the same event. He has also sought an investigation into allegations that eight goats brought for the ceremony went missing.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Marandi has demanded relief for the five Adivasi villagers, an end to their alleged harassment by police and an impartial probe into the entire episode.

The incident dates back to July 19, 2024, when Hemant Soren visited Dishom Manjhi Than at Marang Buru along with his wife, Kalpana Murmu Soren, who is the Gandey MLA. The visit was organised after the fulfilment of vows associated with the victory in the Gandey by-election and the Chief Minister's release from jail.

According to Marandi's letter, district administration officials and police personnel were also present during the visit. A traditional Adivasi worship ceremony was performed, during which nine goats were offered. One of the goats was sacrificed by Naike Baba, the letter stated.

The ceremony became controversial after photographs related to the animal sacrifice circulated on social media. On July 24, 2024, an FIR was registered at Madhuban police station as Case No. 13/24 on the basis of a complaint filed by the then deputed magistrate, Dineshwar Mahto. The case invoked several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and also referred to a Central government office memorandum concerning restrictions on meat and liquor in the Sammed Shikharji area.

Raising questions over the FIR, Marandi said five tribal residents of Pirtand — Sahebram Murmu, Fagu Marandi, Budhan Hembrom, Arjun Hembrom and Sikandar Hembrom — had allegedly been facing continued harassment in connection with the case. He said the villagers had submitted a joint representation to him. Marandi further claimed that two of the five were not even present at the site when the alleged incident took place.

Questions raised over eight missing goats

Marandi has also sought an inquiry into the alleged disappearance of eight goats. Citing the villagers' account, he said nine goats had been brought for the worship ceremony, one was sacrificed, while the remaining eight allegedly went missing from the site. He has questioned the role of the Block Development Officer and his associates in the matter and called for a high-level investigation.

In his letter, Marandi placed three demands before the Chief Minister. He sought immediate relief for the five villagers and an end to their alleged police harassment; an impartial investigation into the role of administrative officials during the ceremony and the allegations concerning the missing goats; and a clear government policy on traditional Santhal Adivasi worship practices at Marang Buru and the rules associated with the Jain community's sacred pilgrimage site, Sammed Shikharji.

Marandi said the government should find a way to ensure that both the religious traditions of the Adivasi community and the faith of the Jain community are respected.

His letter has brought the 2024 episode back into public discussion, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the FIR, the alleged harassment of the five villagers and the disappearance of the eight goats. The Chief Minister's response to the demands is awaited.

Advertisement