Over 15 individuals, including six police officers, were injured during a clash between law enforcement and tribal students in Jharkhand’s Pakur district, officials reported on Saturday.
The altercation occurred on Friday night when police arrived at the KKM College campus to investigate an abduction case.
Students from a tribal hostel on the campus allegedly protested the police presence, leading to a confrontation between the officers and the students.
The BJP accused the police of brutally assaulting tribal students who were planning to protest against Bangladeshi infiltration in the Maheshpur area on Saturday. The party demanded action against the involved officers.
Hostel students claimed that about 10 inmates were severely beaten by the police and are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital in Pakur.
A student alleged that the police forcibly entered the college campus despite objections. “They also spoke about our proposed rally and said students should not indulge in politics,” the student said, requesting anonymity.
Pakur Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar stated that the incident was unrelated to the Adivasi Chatra Sangh’s planned rally, which had already been approved by the sub-divisional officer.
“The Town police station received information from a parent on Friday night that his son had been abducted and was being taken towards Tinpahar. The boy’s mobile location was traced near KKM College. A patrolling van with a sub-inspector, a constable, and a driver was sent to the location,” Kumar told PTI.
Police questioned individuals in the area but found no trace of the boy. They then entered the open college gate and began investigating on campus.
“When police asked a hostel inmate about the case, he questioned their authority to enter the premises without permission. This led to a heated exchange,” the SP explained.
The student then returned with a group of hostel inmates armed with hockey sticks and lathis, who attacked the sub-inspector and constable. The officers managed to escape, but the students also damaged their vehicle.
A second police force, led by Town police station in-charge Anup Raushan Bhengra, was dispatched but was also attacked, resulting in injuries to six officers.
Students claimed the police have filed an FIR against 100 hostel inmates.
Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Amar Bauri, accused the Hemant Soren government of excessive violence against tribals.
“Muslim infiltrators took over tribal land in Gaybathan, Maheshpur. When landowners protested, they were beaten. Tribal groups in Pakur planned a rally on Saturday. Instead of targeting infiltrators, police attacked students in the KKM College hostel,” Bauri alleged.
BJP state president Babulal Marandi emphasized the threat of Bangladeshi infiltration to Jharkhand’s identity and existence. “Take strict action by filing a case against all the policemen involved in this incident. Pakur deputy commissioner should make proper arrangements for the treatment of all the injured students,” Marandi posted on social media.