Ranchi: On Wednesday, Aachal Officer and Sukdev Thana police officials facilitated the possession of land to an Adivasi raiyat near the Hesar Jatra site in Aachal. The land, 6 kathas, had been illegally occupied by Devendra Singh (alias Mukhiya) for 15 years. The illegal occupant had even built a house on the land. However, the landowner, Anil Oraon, son of Cheddi Oraon, had been involved in an ongoing legal case under S.R. Wad number 17 R 1522-23 and S.A.R. Revision Wad number 24/23 for the past 14-15 years. After the decision was passed in favor of the raiyat, the Aachal administration and the police ensured the land was handed back to its rightful owner.
Former Minister Geetashree Oraon expressed her concern about the struggle faced by indigenous people in their own state to protect their land. She highlighted that Ranchi falls under the Fifth Schedule area, yet land is being illegally bought and sold here. Pawan Tirki, President of the All India Adivasi Development Council, stated that land is being looted illegally in Ranchi. In many cases, the lands of innocent tribals are being snatched away through fraudulent means. He further added that when the raiyats approach the authorities for help, their complaints are often ignored. However, due to the unity and struggle of tribal organizations, today a poor Adivasi family was able to get possession of their land through legal channels.
The event was attended by several individuals including Sandeep Tirki, Treasurer of the Central Sarna Committee, Rahul Tirki, Smith Tirki, Naveen Tirki, Shani Minj, Sumit Tirki, Tetri Oraon, Ramu Oraon, Panchu Oraon, Akash Tirki, Niranjan Tirki, and Anjan Oraon among others.