MLA Jairam Mahato, three others granted Anticipatory Bail

Dumri MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato along with four others was granted anticipatory bail by the MP-MLA Special Court in Dhanbad on Monday in connection with Barwadda police station case number 146/26. The court also granted anticipatory bail to three other accused in the case — Sushil Mandal, Mahendra Saw and Rajkumar Mandal.

The case relates to an alleged incident at the Barwadda police station premises on August 21. An FIR was registered the following day on the basis of a written complaint lodged by police station in-charge Ravi Kumar.

According to the police case, Mahato allegedly reached the police station along with around 40-50 supporters after learning that Ganesh Das had been arrested and was being kept in the police lock-up in connection with a case involving Barapichhari panchayat mukhiya Yashoda Devi.

Police alleged that the situation turned tense after Mahato and his supporters reached the station. The MLA and those accompanying him allegedly created a commotion, abused and threatened the station in-charge, obstructed government work and attempted to secure the release of Das from police custody.

The allegations had triggered a strong reaction from the Jharkhand Police Association, which demanded a public apology from the MLA and strict legal action against those allegedly involved in the incident. The association had also warned of launching an agitation if action was not taken and had demanded Mahato’s arrest.

The controversy intensified after a purported audio recording related to the incident circulated on social media. The recording became part of the wider political and public debate surrounding the case, although the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.

Mahato and the three other accused subsequently approached the MP-MLA Special Court seeking anticipatory bail and protection from arrest. The court heard arguments in the matter on September 10 and reserved its order for September 14. An earlier plea seeking protection from arrest had been rejected by the court.

With Monday’s order, Mahato and the three co-accused have secured protection from arrest in the case. However, the anticipatory bail does not bring the proceedings to an end, and the police investigation and subsequent legal process will continue.

The case has drawn attention because of the allegations concerning the conduct of a sitting legislator inside a police station and the subsequent confrontation between the MLA’s supporters and police personnel.