1 dead in clash over illegal coal trade in Dhanbad, 9 arrested

Dhanbad: A 45-year-old man succumbed to gunshot wounds, and nine others were arrested on Thursday as the police here began probing the violent clash between two groups of people over alleged control of illegal coal trade in Bansjora under Loyabad police station limits a day earlier.

The deceased was identified as Kishun Rawani. Rawani was admitted to a private hospital in Dhanbad where he succumbed to injuries. Vishnu Pramanik, who also got hit by bullets, remained under treatment.

Notably, two groups of people clashed at Bansjora around 3 pm on Wednesday over alleged control of illegal mining in the area over an old enmity. The clash snowballed quickly as the groups pelted stones at each other and fired bullets. At least six people, including Rawani and Pramanik, were injured on Thursday. The police later brought the situation under control.

Several vehicles were damaged in the clash, and one country-made pistol with live ammunition were seized from a car at the spot.

Rural SP S Mohammad Yakoob on Thursday said, “Three separate FIRs have been registered at Loyabad police station based on complaints from both sides as well as the statement of a police officer. So far, nine accused, including one woman, have been arrested in connection with the case.”

Five of the accused were identified as Rajni Kumari, Rajesh Kumar Mahto, Dharmendra Mahto, Meraj Ansari and Amit Mahto. Hiralal Mahto, an ASJU-P functionary and the prime accused behind Wednesday’s violence, remained absconding on Thursday, police sources said.

A police contingent patrolled Bansjora area through Thursday to maintain law and order.