Hazaribag: In an unusual protest, a 28-year-old man climbed a nearly 85-foot-high mobile tower in Hazaribag district on Friday, threatening to end his life over allegations of corruption and claiming his land was mutated in another person's name. The incident prompted Chief Minister Hemant Soren to direct Deputy Commissioner Hemant Sati to conduct an inquiry, ensure strict action if the allegations are true, and submit a report.
The Protest
Vikas Kumar, a resident of Kathi village in Chatra district, climbed the mobile tower at Banadag in Hazaribag around 6 am. Standing atop the tower, Vikas, who works at the Banadag NTPC siding, said, "I have been visiting the office for the last six months. If my mutation is not done today, I will jump from here and end my life." He also threw down a poster listing his problems and demands.
Allegations
Vikas claimed he owns about five acres of raiyat land in Phatah village under Katkamdag circle and had applied for mutation. He alleged that repeated visits to the circle office over five to six months yielded only assurances and procedural objections. He accused Circle Officer Satyendra Narayan Paswan of rejecting his application, and that the plot was entered in another person's name, with a receipt also issued, even though he purchased the land in 2014. Vikas said officials admitted an error after checking documents, including a 1926 deed, but records were not corrected. He also alleged the change was made without spot verification and that he paid money to a person named Ranjit to get the work done.
Response and Resolution
Villagers gathered at the site, protested, and briefly blocked the road. Officials tried to persuade Vikas over the phone, but he demanded that Paswan come to the spot. Paswan later reached the site; after talks and assurances, Vikas climbed down at 2 pm. Paswan denied the allegations, saying records would be examined.
Chief Minister's Directive
On social media platform X, Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed all deputy commissioners to ensure that mutation cases do not remain pending beyond stipulated timelines. He specifically instructed Deputy Commissioner Hemant Sati to investigate the matter and submit a report.
The incident highlights ongoing grievances over land mutation delays and alleged corruption in the region. Authorities have promised a thorough inquiry into Vikas Kumar's claims.
