SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, May 4: A family in Dhanbad on Wednesday sat on ‘fast unto death’ at Randhir Verma Chowk near the Deputy Commissioner’s office over the alleged torture and terror of BJP Baghmara MLA Dhulu Mahto.
Chitahi (Baghmara) resident Ashok Mahto along with his family members have started fast unto death at district headquarters saying that they would prefer fast unto death rather than torture and terror of MLA Dhulu Mahto for land.
Ashok Mahto said that he runs a shop on his Rayati land on the roadside in Chitahi near Ram Raj temple of Dhulu Mahto. MLA wants that land for a long time. “When I refused to give the land, MLA first allegedly parked a water tanker in front of the shop on February 10 and later dumped bricks and chips there to close entry and exit from the shop,” he added.
The victim’s family lodged a complaint in the Barora police station, under which the Chitahi area falls, against MLA and his supporters for beating and serving threats. The case is still pending in the police station.
“Barora police station, district administration and state government despite repeated complaint did not take action in last one year. This shop is the lone source of livelihood for my family. So, I have left with no option but to die in public at the main centre of the district (Randhir Verma Chouk near the district court) for justice,” said Ashok Mahto.
The family had sat on fast unto death for the first time on April 18. However, on the assurance of Dhanbad SDM Prem Kumar Tiwary, the administration would fulfil his demand in 10 days after proper investigation.
“Even after 15 days when SDM did not act. So my family has left with no option but to sit on fast unto death again,” Ashok said.
Despite the repeated attempts, Baghmara MLA Dhulu Mahto could not be available for his comment on the allegation of Ashok Mahto.