Marandi claims Dhanbad coal mafia switching to Apple FaceTime to evade ED surveillance
RANCHI: Making a sensational revelation, State BJP Chief and Leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, has claimed that fearing the possibility of normal phone calls being traced, the police and the coal mafia in Dhanbad are now preparing to operate a coal theft syndicate using Apples FaceTime. According to Marandi, this indicates a new strategy in which elements within the police and the coal mafia may be shifting to FaceTime, considered more difficult to intercept due to its advanced security features. FaceTime is regarded as safe and secure because it uses end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and receiver can access the audio and video content. Apple states that it does not store the content of FaceTime calls and regularly updates its software to address vulnerabilities. Marandi further stated that following the Enforcement Directorates (ED) crackdown and sustained pressure on the coal mafia, which exposed widespread coal theft, there has been an undeclared partial pause in the illegal coal trade in Dhanbad. This, he said, has instilled fear among the mafia, leading to a slight reduction in the ongoing plunder. However, he claimed his reliable sources have informed him that coal thieves are becoming active again and have changed their communication methods to evade the law. The most shocking information is that a shopkeeper at Bank More in Dhanbad recently ordered about 55 iPhones. The motive is clear: fearing that normal calls can be traced, the police and the mafia are now preparing to run a coal theft syndicate through FaceTime, Marandi told media persons at the State BJP headquarters in Ranchi on Friday. He reiterated that this reflects a new strategy by those involved, including some within the police, to exploit FaceTimes reputation for being harder to intercept. Marandi urged central investigative agencies to closely monitor the iPhones that have recently become active in Dhanbad, as well as their buyers and users, both known and unknown. He asserted that no matter what technology the thieves adopt, he will continue to expose them to stop the plunder of the states natural resources. Police officials, however, expressed ignorance of these claims. I have no idea about it, said Dhanbad Senior Superintendent of Police, Prabhat Kumar. Marandis remarks gain significance in light of the Enforcement Directorates recent raids at 44 locations across Jharkhand and West Bengal on 21 November, during which cash and jewellery worth over 14 crore were recovered, along with a substantial amount of incriminating evidence. According to an official communiqu issued by the ED, the action, carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 , was linked to a sprawling illegal coal mining, theft, transportation, and sale racket allegedly operating across the two states for years. Officials also recovered various property deeds tied to the coal syndicate, agreements related to land transactions, digital devices, and books of accounts belonging to entities allegedly controlled by the accused. The ED reported that raids were conducted at 20 locations across Dhanbad and Dumka in Jharkhand. These locations are linked to individuals including Lal Bahadur Singh, Anil Goyal, Sanjay Khemka, Amar Mondal, and several others associated with their companies and entities operating in Dhanbad.
Ranchi Diary | Soren distributes 8,792 job letters to apointees
Chief Minister Hemant Soren marked one year of his governments second term by distributing 8,792 appointment letters to newly selected candidates. This focus on recruitment directly aligns with the governments promise to expand employment opportunitiesa major poll commitment. The CM noted that this anniversary would have been even more meaningful had Dishom Guru Shibu Soren been present. Remembering his recent passing, he said the veteran leader would have been happy to witness so many youths receive appointments. Now, prescription a must to purchase cough syrup The Jharkhand High Court has directed a strict crackdown on the illegal sale of cough syrup and other narcotic medicines across the state. The order was issued during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting widespread misuse of such drugs, particularly among schoolchildren. The court instructed the state government and all concerned authorities to ensure that no medical store or outlet sells cough syrup or narcotic drugs without a valid prescription from a doctor. The PIL, filed by Sunil Kumar Mahato, cited instances of rampant cough syrup misuse and pointed to a recent seizure of a large quantity in Dhanbad district. MS Dhonis warm gesture wins fans hearts A special gesture by former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni is winning hearts. He hosted Team India, which is currently in Ranchi for the first ODI against South Africa, scheduled for November 30, for dinner at his home in Ranchi on Thursday. Dhoni often invites national players to his residence whenever there is an international match in Ranchi, and he didnt miss the chance this time either. After the dinner, Dhoni, known for his warm hospitality, dropped Kohli back to the hotel after the meal. Kohli, who now features only in the ODI format, last played the 50-over series against Australia, where he bounced back with a half-century after enduring two ducks. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
ED recovers Rs 14 crore during raids at 44 locations in Jharkhand, West Bengal over coal scam
RANCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized cash and jewellery worth over Rs 14 crore during extensive raids carried out across Jharkhand and West Bengal on November 21, as part of a probe into an alleged illegal coal mining and smuggling network operating across the two states. According to an official statement, the searches were conducted under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and targeted individuals and entities suspected of participating in a longstanding coal theft, transportation, and sale racket. Officials also recovered several property deeds linked to the alleged syndicate, documents related to land dealings, digital devices, and books of accounts belonging to companies reportedly controlled by the accused. In Jharkhand, raids were carried out at 20 locations in Dhanbad and Dumka, covering premises associated with Lal Bahadur Singh, Anil Goyal, Sanjay Khemka, Amar Mondal, and others. In West Bengal, ED teams searched 24 locations across Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata, including residences, offices, illegal toll booths, and coke plants tied to individuals such as Narendra Kharka, Krishna Murari Kayal, Yudhishthir Ghosh, Raj Kishore Yadav, Lokesh Singh, Chinmay Mondal, and Nirad Baran Mondal. More than 100 ED officers, supported by CRPF personnel, were involved in the coordinated operation. The crackdown follows multiple FIRs registered by police in both states, which allege that a wide network has been moving coal from Jharkhand into West Bengal using forged or invalid documents. Diaries, registers, seized documents, and digital data, according to ED officials, have corroborated claims of a large illegal supply chain and hinted at the involvement of local authorities. Register entries detailing illegal cash collections and beneficiary lists were also recovered, offering investigators key insights into the financial flow of the suspected racket. The ED said the syndicate was particularly active in border districts and generated huge proceeds of crime. The agency noted that scrutiny of the seized material is ongoing and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
Wild jackal enters surgical ICU at Dhanbad medical college, hides under bed before fleeing
RANCHI: Raising serious concern over the security arrangements at Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH) in Dhanbad, a wild jackal unexpectedly entered the emergency building and made its way directly into the Surgical ICU early on Monday morning. The incident came to light on Wednesday after a video of the animal entering the ICU went viral on social media. According to eyewitnesses, the jackal walked in unhindered through the hospitals main gate and crossed the emergency corridor without being noticed by security personnel. It then slipped under a bed inside the dark ICU and hid there, they said. Most of the patients admitted at the time were asleep. An outsourced employee of the hospital, who was heading towards the ward, spotted the jackal entering the emergency block and moving towards the Surgical ICU. He immediately alerted the nursing staff and asked them to turn on the lights. After a brief period of chaos, the jackal fled using the same route and exited through the main gate. The hospital management, however, said they are investigating the matter to confirm whether it was indeed a wild animal. We are investigating whether it was really a jackal or just a dog. Anything can be said only after proper investigation, said Hospital Manager Dr CS Suman. Meanwhile, the incident has raised serious concerns about the medical college and hospital's security system, particularly how a wild animal managed to enter one of the most restricted areas undetected. The 600-bed Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital has long faced security issues. Bystanders of patients being treated at the hospital said that dogs and other animals frequently roam inside the premises. Entry of a wild animal into a sensitive area like the emergency room is a major security lapse, said one of the attendants, requesting anonymity. He also questioned the hospital management's nighttime security surveillance. They added that the entrances to the hospital remain open at night, allowing outside animals to easily enter the premises.
Ranchi Diary | Desi Magur is the state fish of Jharkhand
In a move aimed at protecting local aquatic life, the Jharkhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has officially declared Desi Magur (Clarias magur) as the State Fish. The decision is in line with the recommendations from ICARNational Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICARNBFGR), which identified the Clarias magur as an emblematic species deserving of state recognition. Native to Jharkhands rivers, ponds, and wetlands, the hardy, air-breathing catfish is expected to help promote sustainable aquaculture. Man impersonates Soren to call Karnataka Dy CM The Chief Ministers Office in Jharkhand has filed an FIR after an unidentified man, who posed as Chief Minister Hemant Soren and called Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his wife on November 15, around 9.50 pm. The complaint, filed by CMs personal secretary Jai Prasad, states that the same number had previously been used to harass former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The CMO has condemned the act as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the CMs image and mislead VIPs. Congress talent hunt for spokespersons in state The Jharkhand Congress is set to begin a state-wide talent hunt to recruit spokespersons at the state and regional levels. The partys National Media Talent Hunt initiative looks to find people who are committed to the partys ideals, understand the Constitution well, are politically aware, and can communicate effectively. For the exercise, the state has been divided into seven zonesPalamu, Kolhan; Deoghar-Dumka-Jamtara; Sahibganj-Godda-Pakur; Ramgarh-Chatra-Koderma-Hazaribagh; Bokaro-Dhanbad-Giridih; and South Chotanagpur. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
2 killed, several injured after portion of abandoned mine caves in: Jharkhand MLA
A devastating incident unfolded in the Mugma region of Dhanbad as a portion of an old mine gave way, claiming the lives of two workers and injuring several others. This tragedy struck amid unauthorized mining activities. Authorities are investigating the incident and the conditions that led to this collapse, while the grieving families demand accountability and answers.
Tejashwis favourite CM is Stalin, whose party compares Biharis with bidis: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday criticised RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for calling Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin his favourite CM, alleging that the DMK had previously insulted Biharis by comparing them to bidis. Someone asked Lalus son who his favourite CM is. He said Stalin, do you know who he is? His party compares Biharis with bidis. His party insults Biharis and disgraces them. Tejashwis favourite is this CM, Shah claimed at a rally in Bhagalpur. He also accused the DMK of opposing the construction of the Ram Temple and insulting Sanatan Dharma. The remarks come after Stalin last week criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged comments that DMK leaders harassed workers from Bihar, asking the PM to avoid cheap politics targeting Tamils ahead of elections. Shah also targeted the broader opposition, saying the RJD-Congress combine had no development agenda for Bihar. Lalu-Rahul-Rabri have not done anything for the poor, except patronising infiltrators who are taking away jobs, foodgrain, and other resources, he said. He described the Mahagathbandhan as a thagbandhan, lacking both policy direction and unity. Tejashwi Yadav says Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj will have no impact on Bihar polls Addressing security concerns, Shah alleged that Maoists reigned supreme in Bihars Gaya, Aurangabad, Jamui, and other districts during Lalu Prasads tenure as Chief Minister and credited the current government with eliminating Naxalism. If you want to prevent jungle raj, vote for the NDA, he said. In this Naxal-affected area, around 150 Naxals had hijacked the Dhanbad-Patna Express, killing three people. The area was completely under Naxal control. But now, thanks to PM Modis efforts, it is Naxal-free. Earlier, voting used to end by 3 PM; now, people can vote till 5 PM, Shah said. He also took a dig at Lalu Prasad Yadav, claiming that if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, it would create a new department called Apaharan (kidnapping). He also criticised the Congress leadership, alleging that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi did not have the courage to respond to repeated terror attacks during the UPA regime. Shah further promised a series of development initiatives in Bihar if the NDA retains power. Speaking at rallies in Jamui and Bihpur, he announced plans for an electric vehicle manufacturing cluster, a defence corridor, world-class expressways, new highways, medical and engineering colleges, and an investment of Rs 20,000 crore in pisciculture. He also reiterated support for the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Goddess Sita in Bihar. On the political front, Shah warned voters about potential law-and-order issues under an RJD government. No one can prevent riots in Bhagalpur if the RJD wins the Bihar polls. You have to decide whether you want the kidnapping industry in Diara or the development of tourism, he said. BJP leaders, who cast votes in Delhi, also voted in first phase of Bihar polls: Rahul Gandhi
Six Youths Drown In Dhanbad During Kartik Purnima Dip, Four Bodies Recovered
Four youths drowned in the Damodar River near Telmocho Bridge on Kartik Purnima. Search continues for two missing youths as locals demand stricter safety measures.
Raids In Jharkhand Target 'Wasseypur Gang' Led By Fugitive Gangster
In a major crackdown on organised crime, Dhanbad Police on Tuesday carried out massive raids at 30 locations across the district targeting the network of the notorious 'Wasseypur gang' led by fugitive gangster Prince Khan.
24 injured as two buses collide in Jharkhands Dhanbad
DHANBAD: At least 24 people were injured after two buses collided in Jharkhands Dhanbad district, police said on Tuesday. The condition of six of the injured is reported to be critical, officials added. The accident occurred near the Chali Bangla flyover under the Rajganj police station limits at around 11.30 pm on Monday. Around 100 devotees were travelling in one of the buses to attend a religious festival in Bokaro from the Nala and Kundihi areas of Jamtara district, when another speeding bus rammed into it, a police officer said. The injured were admitted to Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH). Traffic movement on the KolkataDelhi lane of the Grand Trunk Road was briefly affected due to the collision, the officer added.
GUWAHATI: Fans could not hold back their tears, both inside and outside theatre halls, after watching Roi Roi Binale , the last film featuring music icon Zubeen Garg, who died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The movie, directed by Rajesh Bhuyan and released on Friday, ran to packed houses across Assam and broke all opening day records, with most theatre halls scheduling up to five shows a day. The screening started as early as 4.25 am at several theatres. Tickets for all shows for the first week were sold out, and fans had booked the first three days tickets within an hour last week. The state is still grieving Gargs untimely demise, and there was an outpouring of emotion as fans thronged single-screen and multiplex theatres. In viral videos, some were seen seated long after shows were over, sobbing. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. For the first time in the history of Assamese films, a movie is being released in different parts of the country. It was screened in Patna, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Mysore, Vellore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jaipur, Vapi (Gujarat), Indore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Raniganj, Maldah, Siliguri, Agartala, Dharmanagar, Cooch Behar, Raipur and Nagpur, said Siddharth Goenka, the films distributor. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. In cities like Bengaluru, Assamese films were earlier screened in only one or two theatres, but this time, it premiered in 17 theatres simultaneously. There will be 600 shows daily in Assam and the rest of the Northeast alone, which is unprecedented. Outside the Northeast, 96 halls would screen the movie with 170 shows daily, Goenka added. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a constituent of Assams ruling coalition, booked all 218 seats for a show at a multiplex in Guwahati. AGP ministers Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta watched the film along with party leaders and workers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he would watch it privately. If I go to a cinema hall, it will cause inconvenience to people as I will be accompanied by my security personnel, he said. Garg plays the lead role of a blind musician in Roi Roi Binale , a musical love story that recounts the life and struggle of a visually impaired artist who experiences the world through sound, imagination and love. The film features 11 songs, all composed by Garg himself.
Close shave for passengers on Tapaswini Express as goods train derails in Jharkhand
RANCHI: Rail traffic on the HatiaRourkela section was disrupted on Wednesday after a goods train carrying iron ore from Rourkela to Bokaro derailed near Kanarowan railway station in Jharkhand's Simdega. At least 10 wagons went off the tracks. Of the 10 derailed wagons, five to seven bogies were reported to be completely damaged. The accident also damaged approximately 100 metres of both up and down lines. The Puri-Hatia Tapaswini Express was traveling directly behind the freight train at the time of the accident. Due to the alertness of railway personnel, the train was stopped at Tati station, averting a major loss of life. Although no casualties have been reported, the railways has suffered losses estimated in crores of rupees. The track, sleepers, overhead power lines, and signal systems were severely damaged. The exact cause of the derailment is yet to be ascertained. According to officials, the incident took place at around 10:13 am on Wednesday near the northern cabin of Kanaroan railway station under Bano police station area. A freight train carrying iron ore from Rourkela to Bokaro suddenly derailed between poles 524/29 and 524/36. After receiving information about the accident, RPF and GRP teams rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area, establishing security. No one is allowed to approach the accident site. Senior officials, including the DRM, at Hatia Railway Division also reached the spot and assessed the situation. Work to remove debris and repair the track was subsequently initiated on a war footing. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager at Ranchi Rail Division Shuchi Singh said that the operation of approximately 11 trains has been affected due to the incident. However, alternative arrangements have been made to ensure that passengers do not face any inconvenience. Every effort is being made to ensure the safe arrival of passengers to their destinations, she said. According to railway officials, technical teams are working continuously, and if everything goes as planned, the track repairs will be completed within 10 to 12 hours. Partial train operations are expected to resume by late evening. Meanwhile, all train services on the Bano-Rourkela section have been suspended, diverted or short-terminated after the incident. Many passenger trains have been stranded at various stations. The Tapaswini Express was terminated at Tati station and sent back to Rourkela in Odisha. According to officials, about 1,300 passengers were travelling on that train. Buses were arranged for passengers at Rourkela station to bring them to Hatia, they said. The Hatia-Rourkela passenger and Hatia-Sanki-Hatia passenger have been cancelled for Wednesday, while the Hatia-Jharsuguda MEMU train has been short-terminated. At least nine trains, including the Sambalpur-Gorakhpur Maurya Express (15027), Visakhapatnam-Banaras Express (18523), Sir M Visvesvaraya Bengaluru Terminal-Hatia Express (12836) and Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express (13351), were diverted.
Jharkhand to get four new medical colleges, Centre provides approval under PPP model
RANCHI: In a major boost to the healthcare and education sectors in Jharkhand, the central government on Tuesday gave its approval for four new medical colleges in the state under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The approval was granted under the Government of Indias Scheme for Establishment of Medical Colleges in PPP Mode, aimed at expanding medical education and improving healthcare infrastructure across underserved regions of India. The decision was taken during an important meeting held in New Delhi at the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), after Jharkhands Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Ajay Kumar Singh presented the states proposal. After the presentation given by Ajay Kumar Singh, the Centre approved the establishment of medical colleges in the four districts -- Khunti (50 MBBS seats), Jamtara (100 MBBS seats), Dhanbad (100 MBBS seats) and Giridih (100 MBBS seats). Each new institution will include a teaching hospital, bringing both medical education opportunities and better healthcare services to local communities. These projects will be implemented under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) sub-schemes administered by the DEA, Ministry of Finance. This PPP approach is expected to attract private investment and accelerate infrastructure development while ensuring quality standards and shared accountability. Calling it a historic day for Jharkhand, the Additional Chief Secretary said that the establishment of new medical colleges will create new employment opportunities for youth, besides giving a boost to the medical facilities in the state. The establishment of new medical colleges under the PPP model will significantly enhance medical education and healthcare services in Jharkhand, while also creating new employment opportunities for our youth. Notably, Jharkhand currently has nine medical colleges, including some prominent institutions such as Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Jamshedpur (MGMMC) both among the oldest in eastern India. In recent years, the opening of AIIMS Deoghar (2019) has strengthened the states medical education infrastructure, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Coal mine wall collapses on oil tanker in Jharkhand; one dead, two injured
DHANBAD: An employee of a private company died and two others were injured after the wall of an open-cast coal mine collapsed on an oil tanker in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, police said. The accident occurred in the mining area under the Putki Police Station limits when the sidewall of the mine caved in and the debris fell on the tanker on Sunday, an officer said. The oil tanker went inside the open-cast mine to refill earthmover machines and overturned after a sidewall of the mine caved in, and the debris fell on the vehicle, Putki Police Station Officer-in-Charge Waqar Hussain told PTI. A staffer of the private firm engaged in mining activities, who was standing near the oil tanker, died, while the driver and cleaner of the vehicle were admitted to a nursing home in the locality, he said. The deceased was identified as Dipak Pandey (25), a resident of Rajput Basti in Kendua, while the injured persons are Ganesh Mahato and Kishore Mahato. The body of the deceased was sent to the Shaheed Nirmal Mahato Medical College, Dhanbad, for a post-mortem examination, the officer said. The private firm provided Rs 5 lakh in cash to the deceased's family for the last rites and issued a cheque of Rs 10 lakh, along with a job offer to one of the family members on compassionate grounds, he said.
Cloudy Skies to Cover 14 Jharkhand Districts from October 16
Ranchi, October 15 (Daily Kiran): The weather department has forecast partly cloudy skies over 14 districts of Jharkhand on Thursday and Friday. According to the Meteorological Department, the districts likely to experience partial cloud cover include Ranchi, Ramgarh, Khunti, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, Gumla, Dhanbad, Koderma, and Lohardaga in central Jharkhand, along with Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, and ... Read more Cloudy Skies to Cover 14 Jharkhand Districts from October 16
Ranchi Diary: International ODI in city after three years
International ODI in Ranchi after three years Ranchi is once again all set to be filled with the excitement of international cricket. After a gap of almost three long years, a One Day International (ODI) match is being held at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Stadium in Ranchi. This match will be the first of a three-match ODI series between India and South Africa, scheduled to be played on November 30 this year. A total of six ODIs have been played at this world-class ground in Ranchi. India has won three and lost two; one was abandoned. The first match was played between India and England on January 19, 2013, which India won by seven wickets. Bid to recuperate barren lands with cactus plants The Jharkhand government has launched a new initiative to promote climate-resilient agriculture and restore degraded lands in the state. The Jharkhand State Watershed Mission, under the Rural Development Department, will plant 2.1 lakh tissue-cultured thorny cactus plants across 400 hectares under the watershed development component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. According to officials, the initiative is designed not only to rehabilitate degraded land but also to create new avenues of livelihood for rural communities. The cactus will serve multiple purposesranging from the production of biofuel and bio-fertiliser to use as fodder and food. State to revolutionise its scientific landscape The Jharkhand government is all set to revolutionise the states scientific landscape with the establishment of its first Science City in Ranchi. This ambitious project, estimated to cost `270 crore, will transform the existing Regional Science Centre into a hub for scientific tourism and innovation. Spread over 43 acres, the Science City will feature cutting-edge exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programmes, attracting tourists and students alike. To promote scientific tourism and innovation in the state, Jharkhand soon will also have regional science centres in Jamshedpur and Dhanbad. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
Woman swept away in drain as heavy rain lashes parts of Jharkhand; IMD says more showers in store
RANCHI: A 50-year-old woman was swept away in an overflowing drain in Jharkhand's Dumka district as heavy rain lashed parts of the state, officials said on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department(IMD) has issued an orange alert for the districts of Garhwa, Palamu and Chatra, as several parts of the state are pounded by rain, officials said on Thursday. A yellow alert has also been issued for Latehar, Hazaribag, Bokaro, Koderma, Giridih, and Dhanbad till October 4, an official said on Thursday. The Dumka incident happened when the victim, identified as Savitri Devi, stepped out of her home at Gilanpada locality in Dumka town Wednesday night. While wading in knee-deep water, she slipped into a drain, about 50 meters away from her home, and swept away, said Officer-in-Charge of Town Police Station Jagarnath Dhan. She probably could not judge the distance between the drain and her home due to waterlogging, he said. Her body was recovered and sent for post-mortem examination. On Wednesday, heavy rain lashed several districts such as Koderma, Chatra, Hazaribag and Ranchi. The state capital and various other areas of the state continued to witness showers on Thursday, when the Dusshera festival will be celebrated. Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely on October 2. The state may witness light to moderate rainfall at most places and heavy to very heavy showers at isolated places tomorrow. Heavy rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places on October 4, said Abhishek Anand, the in-charge of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre. Apart from this, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds up to 40 km per hour are likely to occur across the state till October 6. A yellow alert has been issued for Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, Ranchi, Khunti, West Singhbhum, Bokaro, Seraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, Ramgarh, and Dhanbad till October 3, according to the bulletin issued by the IMD. The IMD said the temperature is expected to decrease by 3-5 degrees Celsius in the next three days.
Reports of widespread cheating and system hacking during the SSC CGL Tier-1 exam in Dhanbad have led to arrests, including a candidate, exam company staff, and the centre manager. Police uncovered a racket remotely marking answers by linking to the official server. Aspirants are demanding accountability and fear the exam's cancellation.
Jkhand: Kurmi agitators lift blockade from all but 2 rail stations post Centres assurance of talks
RANCHI, Sep 21: Agitators from the Kurmi community, who launched a railway blockade in Jharkhand demanding ST status and inclusion of their Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule, on Sunday withdrew the stir from all but two stations following the Centres assurance of a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the matter. The agitation at Sini station in Seraikela-Kharswan district will be withdrawn soon, while the one at Pradhan Khanta in Dhanbad district will continue till the [] The post Jkhand: Kurmi agitators lift blockade from all but 2 rail stations post Centres assurance of talks appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Watch: Jharkhand Rail Blockade | Trains Cancelled, Passengers Stranded
According to a statement issued by the railways, train services in the jurisdiction of the South Eastern Railway (SER) and Dhanbad division of the East Central Railway (ECR) have been partially affected due to the agitation by Adivasi Kudmi Samaj
Rail Teka Dahar Chheka Movement: Kurmi community halts trains in Jharkhand demanding ST status
RANCHI: The Kurmi community on Saturday launched a statewide Rail Teka Dahar Chheka (Train and Road Blocked) Movement across Jharkhand to press its long-standing demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for them. The protest was announced under the banner of the Adivasi Kurmi community, which also has the support of the entire Kurmi Committee and some political parties like AJSU. Acting on a call by the Adivasi Kurmi Community, protesters, dressed in traditional attire, have taken to the railway tracks since morning, accompanied by drums and cymbals. Protesters sat on the tracks in Giridih, Chakradharpur, Jamtara, and Bokaro, stopping trains. In wake of the protests, Section 144 has already been imposed at four railway stations in Ranchi. The Kurmi community had plans to stop trains at 100 stations in Jharkhand, Bengal, and Odisha, including 40 in Jharkhand. Protesters have also taken to the tracks at stations like Muri, Tatisilwai, and Mesra, adjacent to the capital, Ranchi. To deal with the protesters, 500 RPF personnel have been deployed at the Muri station. Acting on a call by the Adivasi Kurmi Community, protesters gathered in large numbers at several railway stations early morning, squatting on the tracks and halting train operations. Similar blockades were seen in Bokaro, Ranchi, and Giridih, where protesters took control of smaller railway stations, in some places as early as 4.00 am. In wake of the protests, Section 144 has already been imposed at four railway stations in Ranchi. Despite barricading efforts by the police in Kurmi-dominated areas through Friday night, the protests went ahead largely unhindered. According to a bulletin issued by South Eastern Railway, the agitation was staged at Bhanjpur station of Kharagpur division from 5.02 am to 5.35 am, while protests still continue between Sini and Birbans in Chakradharpur division. Agitation in Dhanbad division of East Central Railway has also led to regulation of trains within SERs jurisdiction. Due to the ongoing protests, train services have been badly hit across Jharkhand, West Bengal, and adjoining regions. Railway officials said efforts are on to normalize services, but disruption is likely to continue as the agitation intensifies. Several trains were cancelled or rescheduled due to the agitation. Train No. 13504 HatiaBurdwan MEMU Express and Train No. 18036 HatiaKharagpur MEMU were cancelled. Train No. 13351 DhanbadAlappuzha Express, scheduled to depart at 11.35 am, will now leave Dhanbad at 6.35 pm. Train No. 18613 RanchiChopan Express will run via RanchiTori instead of its usual RanchiMuriBarkakana route. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM) chief and MLA Jairam Mahato has extended his support to the movement, stating that the agitation was also linked to issues such as recognition of the Kurmali language and protection of land rights. Notably, the Kurmi communitys push for ST status has intensified in recent years. The first major protest began in 2022 and continued for nine days.
RANCHI/JAMSHEDPUR: Kurmi community members will go ahead with their indefinite 'Rail Teka' (rail blockade) agitation on Saturday at different railway stations across Jharkhand in support of their demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and inclusion of Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, an official of Adivasi Kurmi Samaj said on Friday. Adivasi Kurmi Samaj member and Kurmi Vikas Morcha central president Sheetal Ohdar told PTI that community members have been asked to stage protests on railway tracks in a peaceful manner without disrupting railway traffic, damaging public property and indulging in any sort of violence. We are aware of the Calcutta High Court directive and will ensure that protests on railway tracks are held in a peaceful manner, and under no circumstances will members damage railway property or indulge in violence. Members have been asked not to show resistance when security forces of the state or railway units try to remove them from tracks or take them under preventive custody, Ohdar added. The Calcutta High Court has declared the Kurmi community's plan for rail and road blockade on September 20 unconstitutional and illegal and directed the railways and the state government to take steps to maintain law and order and ensure public movement remains unhindered. Adivasi Kurmi Samaj has given a call for a rail and road blockade in the greater Chotanagpur area, spanning Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. Ohdar said community members have been asked not to carry any traditional weapons during the agitation. Members have been asked not to carry any traditional weapons during the agitation. We will stage jhumur (a traditional dance) and raise slogans in support of our demand, he added. In Jharkhand, Kurmi leaders will sit on protest near railway tracks at Muri Station (near Ranchi), Barkakhana (in Ramgarh), Parasnath (Giridih), Chandrapura (Bokaro), Pradhan Ghanta (Dhanbad), Galudih (East Singhbhum), Sonua (West Singhbhum), Godda and Jamtara from Saturday morning. We do not want the public to be harassed during the agitation and are ready to withdraw our agitation if only Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds a meeting in support of our demand, Ohdar said. The movement for ST status by the Kurmi community gained momentum in 2022. After the COVID-19 pandemic, protests were held at several railway stations in Jharkhand and West Bengal. The movement began on September 20, 2022, and lasted for about nine days. In 2023, the protest again started on September 20 and continued for 7-8 days. No protests were held in 2024 due to the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Meanwhile, several tribal outfits under Sanyukt Adivasi Sangathan have decided to stage a demonstration near the Raj Bhawan on Saturday in protest against Kurmi community's demand for inclusion in ST category. Sangathan spokesperson Niranjana Toppo claimed that the Kurmi demand for ST status is illegal and the agitation will force railways to incur huge losses. They also announced that they would submit a memorandum to Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar addressed to the President, Droupadi Murmu, against the Kurmi community's agitation. DGP Anurag Gupta had instructed police on Friday to increase vigilance, deploy additional forces with protective gear, install CCTV and drones at sensitive stations, and coordinate with railway police to prevent stone-pelting and ensure passenger safety during the agitation. Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS have been promulgated around four railway stations, including Tatanagar, from Friday in view of the agitation. The order will be effective in a 100-meter radius of Tatanagar, Govindpur, Rakha Mines and Haldipokhar stations under Dhalbhum subdivision of the district, Dhalbhum SDO Chandrajeet Singh said in a statement. The SDO stated that demonstration, dharna, effigy burning or gherao, carrying any sort of weapons, including sticks and bows and arrows, assembly of five or more persons with the intention to disturb peace, has been prohibited. No public address system will be allowed in the prohibited areas without prior permission, he said, adding that the order will be in force till the end of the agitation.
'Alcoholic' Husband Killed, Buried In House By Wife In Jharkhand
A middle-aged tribal woman allegedly murdered her 'alcoholic' husband after a heated argument and buried the body inside the house for over 10 days in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, police said on Saturday.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presents first Made in India chip to PM Modi at Semicon 2025
The memento presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi also contained prototype chips created by IIT Roorkee, IIT Jammu, IIT Dhanbad, NIT Durgapur and NIT Calicut, among others.
Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur was released in two parts: the first on June 22, 2012, and the second on August 8, 2012. The story spanned nearly seven decades, from 1941 to 2009, focusing on coal mafias, crime families, and the relentless struggles for power in Dhanbad.
Panic as smoke rises from Alappuzha-Dhanbad Express coach
Train was halted for inspection and railway officials later said the smoke was caused by brake binding
Jharkhand braces for heavy rainfall over next three days
RANCHI: In yet another weather alert issued by the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted in several parts of Jharkhand over the next three days, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. According to the Head of the Meteorological Centre in Ranchi, Abhishek Anand, It will continue to rain in Jharkhand till 23, 24 and 25 August; some districts will receive heavy to very heavy rain, while some districts will receive heavy rain. During this time, an alert has also been issued for thunderstorms and lightning along with rain. According to the forecast, north-western parts of the state are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on 23 August. Isolated heavy showers are also expected over south-western, north-eastern and adjoining central regions, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. On 24 August, heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places over southern, central and north-eastern parts of the state. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in several areas. Similarly, on 25 August, western and adjoining central parts of Jharkhand may experience heavy rainfall at isolated places, while thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are expected across the state. According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon trough is currently passing through Jaisalmer, Kota, Datia, Sidhi, Ranchi, Bankura, Digha and extending southeastwards into the east-central Bay of Bengal, up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. An upper air cyclonic circulation persists over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining regions, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, it said. Another circulation lies over north Odisha and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal at around 5.8 km above mean sea level. The Met office has advised citizens to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours and take precautions against lightning strikes and gusty winds. There is a possibility of heavy rainfall at some places in Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Latehar, Ranchi, Bokaro, Gumla, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Ramgarh, Lohardaga, Koderma, Dhanbad, Giridih and Simdega districts on 24 August. IMD has issued a yellow alert for these districts. Meanwhile, in a tragic incident on Thursday, three innocent girls were killed in a lightning strike while returning from school near Ranchi. According to locals, Pari Oraon of Class 1 in Primary School Hondpidi and Anjalika Kujur of Class 3, along with Basmati Oraon of Class 6, were going home during which a lightning strike took place killing all the three on the spot. Jharkhand has so far received 25% excess rain than normal.
Jharkhand: House collapses, over a dozen others develop cracks in Dhanbad land subsidence
RANCHI: In a major land subsidence in Sabri Basti under Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad, a house caved in completely, while over a dozen other houses developed cracks. According to the local people, the incident took place around 3 am, when the house of one Arun Rajak completely caved in. Over a dozen other houses developed cracks on their walls and floors, they said. Fortunately, no human casualties were reported, though panic spread across the locality. Sensing the danger, people fled their houses taking with them essential items and rations. Even then they lost some commodities in the landslide. Arun Rajak informed that his family was asleep when they were jolted awake by a loud noise, followed by the collapse of their asbestos-roofed house. In another incident, a cow belonging to Govind Bhuiyan was trapped in the subsidence but was rescued safely by local residents. Another resident Kalyani Devi said that there was loud noise in the morning, in which, her house collapsed. Somehow, they succeeded in saving their lives. We left the thatched roof and ran out, she said. Everything kept in the house, rice, pulses, clothes and other items sunk into the ground. Now, we don't even have anything to eat or wear, she added. Another local Indradev Bhuiyan alleged both BCCL management and local administration are responsible for this incident. Even after complaining with the administration, they did not take any action, said Bhuiyan. Project Officer of Modidih Colliery, Gopaljee, said the affected family has been shifted to Modidih Community Hall temporarily. He assured that all residents whose homes were damaged would be rehabilitated at Tetulmari. Local MLA from Baghmara, Shatrugha Mahto, visited the site in the morning and directed BCCL management to arrange rehabilitation and ensure immediate compensation for victims. Residents recalled that they were forced to move to Sabri Basti in 197677 after a fire destroyed their earlier settlement. However, the area has remained vulnerable, with a similar subsidence reported in 2006. At that time, local MLA and then-minister Jaleswar Mahto had ordered the filling of subsidence holes to prevent gas emissions. Despite repeated warnings, residents alleged that neither BCCL officials nor Jogta police responded promptly to this latest incident. Action was reportedly taken only after the local MLA, who is the elder brother of Dhanbad MP Dhulu Mahto, reached the spot and urged the officials to intervene. The affected families have expressed reluctance to move into vacant BCCL quarters in Tetulmari, as offered by the authorities. Instead, they have demanded rehabilitation in Angarpathra, which they consider a safer location.
House Caves In, Several Other Structures Damaged In Dhanbad Land Sinking
A house caved in and a dozen others developed cracks after a land subsidence incident in a Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) area, about 19 km from Dhanbad district headquarters on Monday, a company official said.
Derailed wagons collide with another train in Jharkhand; no casualties reported
RANCHI: A goods train heading towards Purulia on the down line derailed near Pitaki gate, about 200 meters away from the station, and fell away over the up line. Another goods train, coming on the up line, collided with it; the collision was so intense that a total of 21 wagons derailed, out of which two fell on the roadside. According to local sources, the accident took place at 4:15 am near pole number 375/22 near Chandil railway station in Jharkhand on Saturday morning. Initial reports suggest that the crash was caused by a technical fault and a signal failure. As soon as the information about the accident reached the railway officials, they rushed to the spot and started investigating the matter. Work is going on war footing to restore the railway track. Railway administration said that efforts are being made to restore the operation as soon as possible. The intensity of the collision could be gauged from the fact that the wheels of the train broke and fell far away, and the railway tracks were damaged for about 200 meters in the accident. Due to the accident, train services have been disrupted on ChandilTatanagar, ChandilMuri, and ChandilPuruliaBokaro routes. Many passengers remain stranded at various stations, while the route of some trains has been changed. Alternative transport is being arranged for the passengers who are affected. Due to the accident, many trains leaving from Tatanagar railway station have been cancelled. These include important trains like Tata-Patna Vande Bharat Express, Tata-Buxar Superfast Express, and Tata-Dhanbad Swarnarekha Express. Apart from this, the routes of some long-distance trains like Purushottam Express and Anand Vihar Express have also been changed.
Wanted Jharkhand gangster neutralised by UP STF in Prayagraj
LUCKNOW: A dreaded gangster, Ashish Ranjan alias Chhotu Singh, was neutralised in an early morning operation by the UP Special Task Force in Prayagraj on Thursday. Hailing from Dhanbad in Jharkhand, the criminal was eliminated near Shivrajpur crossing under the Shankargarh police station area. The gangster, who carried a reward of Rs 4 lakh on his arrest, was killed when he opened fire with an AK-47 rifle and a 9 mm pistol at the STF sleuths, prompting a retaliation by them. In the action, the criminal was critically injured and later declared dead. According to ADG (law and order) Amitabh Yash, the STF rounded up the criminal following a tip-off that he was on his way to Prayagraj to execute a major criminal offence with an accomplice. Consequently, the STF team laid a trap near Shivrajpur. On being intercepted by the UP STF, the criminal fired at the police party comprising JP Rai, Prabhanjan and Rohit, who narrowly escaped his bullet shots, said the ADG. He added that the STF retaliated, injuring Ashish Ranjan who was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died during the treatment. From the spot of encounter, the STF recovered a loaded AK-47, a 9 mm pistol, huge cache of live cartridges, and a motorbike. As per the police authorities, Ashish Ranjan was wanted in at least four high-profile murder cases, including that of gangster Aman Singh. The police authorities said that Ashish, with a long criminal history, had been the prime accused in the murder of a police informer in Dhanbad, a coal trader Neeraj Tiwari in Katras and a land dealer Sarful Haan alias Lala Khan in Wasseypur, besides the murder of Ranjit Sahu in Jharia. Ashish had been on bail, with the Jharkhand police and CID both after him. Meanwhile, a case under multiple sections, including attempt to murder and under the Arms Act, has been lodged, and further probe is underway, said the officer.
Guard-less goods train derailed in Dhanbad on Jul 31, poses threat to passenger trains: Union
NEW DELHI : The derailment of a fully-loaded goods train on July 31 between Kodarma and Giridih in the Dhanbad rail division has prompted the All India Guards Council to raise safety concerns and renew its demand for urgent filling of vacant train manager posts, warning that such lapses pose a serious threat to passenger trains as well. The council said the derailment occurred due to the absence of a guard (also called a train manager) to assist or guide the crew of the train and protect its rear. The Dhanbad Division of the East Central Railway didn't respond to the council's claims. When the train was proceeding in an upward direction on a gradient, the locomotive couldn't pull its weight, and it started sliding back. There was no train manager in it. The loco pilot informed the station master, who decided to arrange an additional loco which could assist the train from behind, D Biswas, General Secretary of the All India Guards Council, said. Since the train was on a curve, the loco pilot couldn't exactly tell the position of the brake van (the last coach meant for guards) and the additional loco coming to assist from behind collided with the brake, resulting in its derailment, Biswas said. The council office bearers said an able train manager could have guided the additional locomotive properly, as such incidents are a safety hazard for rail operations. They referred to the General and Subsidiary Rules of the Railways, which entrust a train manager with the duty to protect the rear of the train. The train manager has a crucial duty to play. In case any train, be it freight or passenger, stops in between two stations, its the duty of the train manager to not only protect the rear of his/her train but the incoming train as well by ensuring that the tail light is correctly exhibited and switch on flasher light to signal the incoming train of its unusual and unscheduled stoppage, SP Singh, former General Secretary of the AIGC, said. He added, The Railway norms also say that it is the duty of the guard to place detonators on the track between 600 and 1,200 metres away from his/her train on the same track to alert incoming trains. The council said that due to several posts lying vacant, many divisions have to operate the freight trains with only a loco pilot and the assistant loco pilot, as their priority is passenger trains. Hence, guards are mandatorily provided in passenger trains, causing a shortage for freight trains. As on December 31, 2024, 27.28 per cent of the positions of train managers were vacant in the Indian Railways, Singh said. The total sanctioned posts of train managers in the Indian Railway are 53,229. As of December 31, 2024, there were 38,709 train managers working, and 14,520 posts were vacant. It is not a safe practice to operate trains without a manager. We demand immediate filling of all posts in the interest of safe train operations. According to Singh, Railways should realise that a freight train without a guard is a huge risk to passenger trains that share the same track. In case a freight train stops due to a technical snag or any other reason in between two stations, it is a big safety hazard for the incoming passenger trains as the freight train is a potential threat to the lives of hundreds of passengers, Singh said.
The making of a legend: Shibu Soren's evolution from Shivcharan to Guruji
RANCHI: The founder patron of JMM, who dominated Jharkhand politics for over four decades, passed away during treatment at a hospital in New Delhi at the age of 81 on Monday. Though he became Chief Minister of Jharkhand thrice, his early life remained quite challenging and full of struggle. Born on January 11, 1944, at Nemra village under Gola Block of Ramgarh, Shibu Soren was fondly called Shivlal in his childhood, but he was enrolled in the primary school as Shivcharan Manjhi. After receiving his primary education at the village school, he moved to a state-sponsored high school in Gola block, where he continued his studies while staying in a tribal hostel. Despite belonging to the tribal community, his father, Sobaran Manjhi, was highly educated and worked as a teacher. Sobaran was involved in various activities for the upliftment of his community and raised his voice against the exploitation by moneylenders. As Sobaran gradually became a prominent voice among the tribals and continuously opposed the oppression by mahajans, he was allegedly killed by them on November 27, 1957. This incident became a turning point in the life of Shibu Soren, who was just 13 years old at the time. Shaken by his fathers murder, Shibu Soren left his studies and began opposing the moneylenders. This was no easy task, as many villagers were deeply indebted. He was disturbed to see tribal lands being seized over unpaid debts, with villagers tricked into giving thumb impressions on blank papers under the influence of alcohol. These incidents inspired Shibu Soren to launch a movement against the moneylenders. As he raised his voice, more people started joining him. At the same time, he began spreading awareness against the consumption of alcohol and hadia (rice beer). His social reform movement and resistance to the moneylenders gained traction across Gola and neighbouring areas like Bokaro and Dhanbad. Between 1972 and 1976, the movement gained momentum. He succeeded in reclaiming tribal land taken by moneylenders. His assertive approach won him admiration within the tribal community. Eventually, Soren became a widely popular figure at his call, thousands would gather with bows and arrows to harvest crops from seized lands. He also built an ashram at Pokhariya under Tundi block of Dhanbad, known as Shibu Ashram. People began calling him Guruji out of love and respect. However, his political identity took root in Santhal Pargana, where he earned the title Dishom Guru or Guru of the nation. In 1972, Soren and his colleagues decided to form a political party. This led to the formation of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Shibu Soren first contested elections in 1977 but faced defeat. Undeterred, he contested again in 1980 and began his political ascent. He went on to serve as Member of Parliament from Dumka Lok Sabha seat seven times. He played a pivotal role in the campaign for a separate Jharkhand state. Devoting his entire political career to the cause, he led a sustained movement that eventually led to the creation of Jharkhand from Bihar in 2000. Tribal titan Shibu Soren: A legacy of power, struggles and controversies
Tribal titan Shibu Soren: A legacy of power, struggles and controversies
RANCHI: Shibu Soren, the veteran tribal leader who played a key role in Jharkhand's creation and founded the JMM, leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the country's politics. The death of 81-year-old Soren marks the end of a political era that saw tribal movement rise to national prominence. Born on January 11, 1944, in Ramgarh district's Nemra village (then in Bihar, now in Jharkhand), Soren, who was popularly known as 'Dishom Guru' (leader of the land) and patriarch of JMM, is one of the most enduring political figures in the country's tribal and regional political landscape. His political life was defined by continuous advocacy for the rights for tribals. According to Soren's family, his early life was marked by personal tragedy and deep socio-economic struggles. Soren was 15 years old when his father, Shobaran Soren, was allegedly killed by moneylenders in Lukaiyatand forest, some 16 km from Gola block headquarters on November 27, 1957. This left a deep impact on him and became a catalyst for his future political activism. In 1973, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) along with Bengali Marxist trade unionist AK Roy and Kurmi-Mahto leader Binod Bihari Mahto during a public meeting at Golf Ground Dhanbad. The JMM soon became the primary political voice for the demand for a separate tribal state and got support across the Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana regions. Soren's grassroots mobilisation against feudal exploitation is said to have shaped him into a tribal icon. After decades of agitation, steered by him and others, the demand for a separate state was finally fulfilled with the formation of Jharkhand on November 15, 2000. Soren's influence was not confined to state politics. He was elected several times to the Lower House from Dumka , the eighth time between May 2014-2019 as member of the 16th Lok Sabha. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in June 2020. As a key figure in the UPA government, he served as Union Coal Minister from May 23 to July 24, 2004; November 27, 2004 to March 2, 2005; and January 29 to November 2006. However, his ministerial stints at the Centre were overshadowed by serious legal challenges. In July 2004, an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with the 1975 Chirudih massacre case, in which he was named the main accused in the killing of 11 people. He went underground briefly before being arrested. After spending time in judicial custody, he was granted bail in September 2004 and re-inducted into the Union Cabinet in November. Later, a court in March 2008 absolved him of all charges. His legal woes didn't end there. On November 28, 2006, Soren, along with others, was convicted in the sensational 1994 kidnapping and murder case of his former personal secretary, Shashinath Jha. The CBI alleged that Jha was murdered in Ranchi because he possessed knowledge about a political payoff deal between the Congress and JMM during a no-confidence motion against the Narasimha Rao government in 1993. The case drew nationwide attention, though Soren later successfully appealed the conviction. The Supreme Court in April 2018 upheld Soren's acquittal in the case. Despite these controversies, Soren remained a towering figure in Jharkhand's political sphere. He served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times- in March 2005 (for just 10 days from March 2 to March 11), August 27, 2008 to January 12, 2009, and from December 30, 2009 to May 31, 2010. Each term was short-lived due to the fragile nature of coalition politics in the state. In June 2007, Soren survived an assassination attempt when bombs were hurled at his convoy near Dumaria village in Deoghar district while he was being escorted to jail in Dumka, after appearing in a court in Giridih, underlining the high stakes and volatile environment surrounding his political life. Yet, his political dominance in Jharkhand politics endured, both through his personal appeal and through his party, which he continues to lead as founding patron. Soren served as the JMM's chief for 38 years until April 2025, when he was made the party's founding patron. His son, Hemant Soren, who had served as executive president, was elected JMM president. The party is currently a member of the opposition INDIA bloc at the national level. Shibu Soren's personal life has also been closely tied to his political narrative. He is survived by wife Roopi Soren, three sons and daughter Anjani, who is the party's Odisha unit head. His elder son Durga Soren died in May 2009. The other son Hemant Soren, has carried forward the family's political legacy and currently serves as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, having held the position across multiple terms. His youngest son Basant Soren is a legislator. For many in Jharkhand, Shibu Soren remains a symbol of their long-fought struggle for identity and self-rulea legacy that continues through the next generation.
