Why is Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren Under House Arrest Amid Tribal Protests?

Protests Erupt Over Land Acquisition in Jharkhand

Ranchi: Champai Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a prominent BJP figure, has been placed under house arrest as protests by tribal organizations escalate against the acquisition of land for a new health facility in Ranchi, according to police reports.

Demonstrators have accused law enforcement of using excessive force, including lathi charges and tear gas, to disperse crowds gathered at the proposed site in the Nagri area.

Authorities confirmed that tear gas was deployed to manage the situation due to prohibitory orders in effect.

Soren's son, Babulal, along with other supporters heading to Ranchi, were also detained during the protests.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (City) KV Raman stated, "Champai Soren is under house arrest as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety amid the protests by tribal groups."

In response, Soren criticized the house arrest as undemocratic, asserting, "No matter how much force the government employs, we will not allow any land to be taken."

He claimed that police had obstructed protesters traveling from various districts, including Seraikela-Kharswan and East Singhbhum.

Soren expressed his support for the hospital project but insisted it should be constructed on barren land rather than displacing tribal communities.

Over 20 tribal organizations, along with farmers and landowners, organized a demonstration titled 'Hal Joto, Ropa Ropo' (plough field, plant saplings) at the site designated for the Rs 1,074-crore RIMS-2 project.

This new hospital is set to expand the state's premier healthcare facility, the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), across 207 acres.

Protesters, some wearing masks of former CM Shibu Soren, gathered at the site, carrying placards with messages urging for the preservation of their land.

Despite heavy security, some demonstrators managed to reach the location and plant saplings.

The barricades erected to control the protests have also caused significant disruptions for local commuters.

One resident, Basant Kumar Mahato, expressed frustration, stating, "I live in the Ring Road area, but I am not allowed to go home," after being stopped near Chandni Chowk.

Health Minister Irfan Ansari previously announced that RIMS-2 will feature 2,600 patient beds and offer 100 undergraduate and 50 postgraduate medical seats.

In reaction to Soren's house arrest, Congress state general secretary Rakesh Sinha remarked that chaos cannot be tolerated.

He suggested that BJP members, particularly Soren, are frustrated after the coalition government secured a second term.

BJP state chief Babulal Marandi condemned the house arrest as a "murder of democracy," vowing to protect tribal land rights.

Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth labeled Soren's house arrest as a disgrace to democracy, emphasizing his advocacy for the rights of indigenous farmers.