Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Former minister Bundhu Tirkey, MLA Arup Chatterjee, and eight others have been acquitted in a decade-old case linked to protests over land acquisition for the Law University in Nagri, Kanke. The special MP/MLA court in Ranchi ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict the accused in the 2012 Raj Bhavan gherao incident.
Court’s Findings
Along with Tirkey and Chatterjee, former MP Salkhan Murmu, former MLA Vinod Kumar Singh, activist Dayamani Barla, Nandi Kachhap, Kishore Mahato, Rajendra Mahato, Sajad Ansari, and Samanur Mansoori were also cleared of charges. The prosecution had presented five witnesses during the trial but failed to substantiate its claims, prompting the court to dismiss the case.
Background of the Case
The case stemmed from a public movement opposing the acquisition of land in Nagri for a law university. Several social groups, along with political leaders, had organized demonstrations, including a march to Raj Bhavan. Following the protest, Kotwali police registered FIR No. 609/2012 against 27 individuals, accusing them of unlawful assembly and related offences.
