One killed as protesters, police clash in Ranchi

One person was killed and several others, including policemen, were injured here Monday in a clash during a protest against land takeover, police sources said.

Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) workers allegedly turned violent and pelted stones at police who prevented them from marching to the state secretariat.

Party legislator Samresh Singh earlier tore his shirt (kurta) in the assembly demanding rehabilitation and compensation to people displaced by the Bokaro Steel Plant, forcing assembly Speaker C.P. Singh to adjourn the house for an hour.

The party protest outside the assembly was also against land acquisition by the government for educational institutes and industrialisation and its policies towards the displaced people.

JVM-P president and former chief minister Babu Lal Marandi led the march from Harmu ground to DPS School, where police stopped the protesters.

“The state government is beating people when they are seeking shelter and protesting against land acquisition. Our fight against displacement will continue,” Marandi told reporters.

As JVM-P workers pelted stones, police resorted to a baton charge and used water cannons to disperse them. One person injured in the clash died later.

The protesters alleged that a police vehicle hit the man who died of injuries.

Marandi and some party leaders, including legislative party leader Pradeep Yadav, were detained.