BJP demands inquiry into 'assault' of tribal youths in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum

Chaibasa (Jharkhand), July 16 (PTI) BJP Jharkhand vice-president Geeta Koda on Thursday condemned the attack on some adivasi youths allegedly by a group of people belonging to a particular community in West Singhbhum district and demanded an impartial inquiry. Koda, the former MP of the Singhbhum (Reserve) seat, joined the protest, organised by Adivasi Ho Mahasabha, against the incident that took place in Majhgaon area. Addressing the gathering, Koda demanded stringent action against the culprits. She alleged that a group of people belonging to a particular community assaulted some tribal youths twice on July 11, 12 and 14. Four of the injured are undergoing treatment at the Chaibasa Sadar Hospital, Koda said. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi had met the victims at the hospital on Wednesday. Marandi, a former chief minister, threatened to take to the streets if the culprits were not apprehended and stringent action taken against them. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Jagannathpur) Raphael Murmu said no complaint was registered by either party. However, the police officer said a minor incident among school children had taken place over an issue. Koda told PTI such incidents have been taking place for some time, but the police did not act on tribals' complaints. She alleged that the youths were attacked because they protested against consuming liquor and smoking at a sacred place by the attackers. The BJP leader threatened to call for a Majhgaon bandh if the Officer-in-Charge of the local police station was not removed immediately and the culprits are not arrested soon. While the police asserted that a peace committee meeting was held on this issue on Wednesday, Koda claimed no such event was organised. PTI BS NN