Giridih – A wave of anger swept through Dumri block in Jharkhand’s Giridih district after Panchayat Sevak Sukhlal Mahato died by suicide, allegedly due to continuous harassment by four individuals, including the Block Development Officer (BDO) and the husband of the local Mukhiya.
Mahato consumed poison on June 13 within the premises of the block office after submitting a letter accusing the officials of mental harassment. He passed away during treatment at RIMS Hospital, Ranchi, on June 15.
Following his death, hundreds of villagers gathered at the block office late Sunday night, placing Mahato’s body at the site and launching a sit-in protest. The demonstration continued until Monday afternoon and drew support from Dumri MLA Jairam Mahato, who demanded justice and action against the accused.
After extended negotiations, SDM Santosh Gupta, representing the Deputy Commissioner, assured the family that:
- An FIR would be registered against the four named officials.
- A government job would be provided to one of Mahato’s dependents.
The family then agreed to perform the last rites.
Mahato, a resident of Kulgo village, was posted as Panchayat Sevak in Baltharia village. His death has prompted the Giridih district administration to form a four-member inquiry committee on June 14. The panel includes Additional Collector Vijay Singh Birua, SDM Santosh Kumar Gupta, DSP Neeraj Kumar Singh, and Dr. Ravi Maharshi.