A shocking murder has gripped Giridih district in Jharkhand, where former District Council President and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Rakesh Mahato was brutally killed. His half-burnt body was discovered in a jungle near Ghutwali, sending waves of grief and fear through the local community.
Local villagers stumbled upon the charred remains early Friday morning while heading to the forest. They immediately alerted the Nimiaghat police station, prompting a swift response from officers who cordoned off the area. Initial investigations reveal that Mahato was beaten before being murdered, with perpetrators attempting to destroy evidence by setting his body ablaze.
The incident unfolded late Thursday night when an unknown caller lured Mahato out of his home. His mobile phone remained active until around midnight, according to technical evidence. Police are now scrutinizing call detail records (CDR) to identify the last person who contacted him.
State Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu, attending the assembly’s budget session, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. ‘Rakesh Mahato was a dedicated social and political activist, a pillar of our party,’ he stated, vowing that the culprits would face justice soon.
Supporters of the slain leader took to the streets in protest, demanding immediate arrests. The atmosphere remains tense as police assure the public of a thorough probe. This brazen killing raises serious questions about political violence in the region, with authorities racing against time to crack the case.