Jamshedpur Road Blocked for Six Hours in Protest Over Fruit Merchant's Murder
The Sakchi-Golmuri main road in Jamshedpur remained completely blocked for six hours on Thursday as family members and friends of murdered fruit merchant Kanhaiya Yadav staged a sit-in protest, demanding the immediate arrest of his killers. Traffic movement came to a standstill as demonstrators burned tyres and sat resolutely on the road, causing significant disruption in the area.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Kanhaiya Yadav, a 49-year-old resident of Namda Basti, was taking his morning walk at the Tinplate Sports Complex ground on Wednesday when he was shot by assailants. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Tata Main Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds hours later. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting concerns over public safety.
Protesters' Demands and Allegations
The crowd raised loud slogans against the East Singhbhum district police, accusing them of failing to arrest the assailants promptly. Protesters alleged that Yadav's murder was a direct result of police negligence. According to Yadav's family, he had lodged a complaint in 2024 against a man named Billa Pathak following a feud, but the police did not take the matter seriously.
Rahul Yadav, the victim's son, provided further insight: "Last week, when there was a petty fight between me and Sumit, Billa threatened my father as he intervened to settle the dispute. Sumit is a friend of Billa. My father approached Golmuri police for help, but they did not take the matter seriously."
Police Response and Resolution
In response to the agitation, a police force was deployed at the protest site to prevent the situation from turning violent. Police personnel also assisted motorists by guiding them through alternative routes to navigate the blocked stretch. The protest was eventually called off after SP (Rural) Rishabha Garg assured the demonstrators that the assailants would be arrested soon.
SP Rishabha Garg stated: "Two of the accused have been apprehended, and raids are ongoing to arrest the other accused. The police are sincerely investigating the case to ensure justice is served."
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident underscores ongoing issues related to law enforcement responsiveness and public trust in Jamshedpur. The prolonged road blockade not only disrupted daily life but also brought attention to the urgent need for effective crime prevention and investigation mechanisms. As the police continue their efforts, the community remains vigilant, hoping for swift justice in this tragic case.
