Former JMM Leader Rakesh Mahto Murdered, Body Found Burnt in Giridih Forest
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the region, former zila parishad president and ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) member Rakesh Mahto was brutally murdered, with his body discovered half-burnt in a forest area. The crime occurred near Ghutwali under the jurisdiction of the Nimiaghat police station in Giridih district, where the perpetrators allegedly attempted to destroy evidence by setting the body on fire.
Discovery of the Body and Immediate Aftermath
Early on Saturday morning, Mahto's partially burnt body was recovered from the Khankhi forest, sparking widespread outrage and protests. The grim discovery was made when a woman, on her way to the fields, spotted the remains and immediately alerted local residents. Police swiftly arrived at the scene, took custody of the body, and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the heinous crime.
Dumri sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Sumit Kumar is leading the probe under the direct supervision of Giridih Superintendent of Police Bimal Kumar. In a statement, SDPO Kumar emphasized, "We are examining all angles. Forensic experts and a sniffer dog squad have been pressed into service to solve this crime." Sources indicate that police are also investigating whether petrol was siphoned from Mahto's motorcycle to ignite the body, suggesting a premeditated attempt to conceal evidence.
Public Outrage and Political Reactions
Angered by the brutal killing, irate villagers blocked the Dumri-Phusro road, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits and a high-level inquiry into the incident. The protest highlighted growing concerns over law and order in the area, with locals calling for swift justice.
Mukesh Mahto, the brother of the deceased, revealed that Rakesh Mahto had several enemies and stated, "I last met him on Friday evening." This has led investigators to consider personal enmity as a potential motive behind the murder.
Political reactions have been swift and charged. Leaders from the ruling JMM expressed profound grief and demanded prompt action, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the state government over the incident, citing deteriorating law and order conditions. State minister Sudibya Kumar disclosed that the mobile phone of the deceased was active until midnight, and police are currently analyzing his last call details to uncover leads.
Background of the Victim and Ongoing Investigation
Rakesh Mahto was a locally well-known political figure who served as the zila parishad president in 2016, earning respect and influence in the community. His murder has not only devastated his family but also raised alarms about the safety of public representatives in the region.
The investigation remains active, with authorities exploring multiple theories, including political rivalry, personal disputes, and criminal intent. As forensic teams work to gather evidence and sniffer dogs track potential clues, the case continues to unfold, with police vowing to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
