Udit Vani Jamshedpur: The political climate in Jamshedpur has intensified following an FIR lodged after a peaceful protest organized on June 12 outside the Sakchi police station under the banner of Jan Suvidha Manch.
On Monday, Gunjan Yadav — former district president of BJP Jamshedpur Mahanagar and representative of the Jamshedpur East MLA — met with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), registering strong objections and demanding a fair and impartial investigation into the FIR.
Speaking to the media after meeting the SSP, Yadav claimed that the FIR is a blatant misuse of the law and a suppression of democratic rights. “The action taken by the Sakchi police station in-charge suggests that the administration is afraid of peaceful public expression,” he said. “This FIR is a prime example of law being weaponized against the people.”
The protest on June 12, which involved local citizens, youths, and women, aimed to highlight growing concerns over rising drug abuse and immoral activities in the Sakchi area, and the alleged inaction or complicity of local police. Protesters carried the national flag and placards bearing various messages, maintaining a peaceful demeanor throughout.
Yadav alleged that not only did the police lock the station gates during the protest, but they also refused to accept the memorandum being submitted by the demonstrators.
He strongly criticized the police for including in the FIR an allegation that the protesters were carrying “weapons”. Ridiculing the claim, Yadav said, “Calling the national flag and placards weapons is not only laughable but an insult to the Tricolour. The officer-in-charge must not be able to distinguish between a flag and a weapon. I suggest he get his eyes tested.”
He further challenged the police to produce any media footage, electronic report, or CCTV evidence showing protesters with sticks or arms — promising to accept punishment himself if such proof is found.
Yadav called on the SSP to ensure that the investigation is conducted by a senior and unbiased official so that the truth can come out. “Filing FIRs against dozens of youths and women is not only condemnable but smacks of police high-handedness,” he said.
He added that suppressing the voices of ordinary citizens in such a manner is a shameful act in any democratic society. “Our fight is for the protection of democratic rights, and we will not back down,” Yadav asserted.
In response, the SSP assured Yadav of a fair and impartial investigation. He stated that if any negligence or misconduct by police personnel is found during the inquiry, strict action will be taken.
The incident and the subsequent FIR have sparked reactions from opposition parties and civil society. Activists associated with Jan Suvidha Manch have condemned the FIR, calling it an attack on freedom of expression.
The convener of the Manch said, “Our struggle is not just about one locality but against a system that tries to silence the voice of its citizens. We expect the police and administration to serve the people, not criminalize their right to protest.”
As the controversy unfolds, a key question emerges — has peaceful protest become a punishable offense? With Gunjan Yadav openly challenging the administration and demanding accountability, the spotlight is now firmly on how the authorities respond and whether justice will prevail for the protesters.
For now, Jamshedpur’s political landscape remains charged over the issue.
