Jharkhand

In a significant breakthrough, police in Jharkhand’s Khunti district have arrested six more individuals in connection with the high-profile murder of tribal leader Padha Raja Soma Munda. With these arrests, the total number of accused in the case has risen to 13, including the main shooter behind the assassination. Accused Sent to Judicial Custody Before presenting the suspects in court, police paraded them at the district police lines. The newly arrested include Daniel Sanga (44), Sumit Dal Sand (20), Markus Sanga (20), Roshan Minz (25), Sandeep Khalkho (35), and Santosh Dalsand (32). All six have been remanded to judicial custody. Murder Linked to Land Deal Dispute Khunti Superintendent of Police Praveen Toppo stated that the killing of Soma Munda was the outcome of a long-st...

A major tragedy has struck the Dhanbad district, where an illegal coal mining site in the Nirsa area near the Galfarbadi Sanyasi Temple collapsed on Tuesday night. Several workers are feared dead after being buried under the rubble, although official confirmation is yet to be released. Collapse Triggered by Unsafe Mining Practices According to local sources, around 50 to 60 laborers were working in the mine late at night, cutting coal in unsafe conditions under the supervision of the mine operators. In pursuit of higher profits, the workers reportedly cut the very pillars supporting the mine. The removal of these pillars caused the ceiling to cave in like a mountain, trapping dozens of workers beneath tons of debris. Mine Operators Allegedly Hiding Evidence Following the collap...

In the midst of speculation about internal tensions within the Jharkhand Congress, a crucial meeting was held in New Delhi on Wednesday. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former party president Rahul Gandhi met with senior leaders of the Jharkhand unit to discuss the state’s current political scenario, organizational strength, and the functioning of the government. Reports of Discontent Among MLAs Denied The meeting included Jharkhand in-charge G. Ahmed Mir (Raju), state president Keshav Mahato Kamlesh, and several other senior leaders. Addressing reporters, Keshav Mahato Kamlesh described the meeting as “very important and highly constructive.” He categorically dismissed reports of internal tensions and discontent among MLAs, stating that “there is no dissatisfaction among M...

Ranchi: Twelve days after returning from his successful foreign tour, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has placed the state’s potential on the global stage, raising expectations for accelerated development. His return to Ranchi has also intensified discussions of a cabinet expansion, with reports suggesting that two legislators from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) representing Kolhan and Santhal Pargana are likely to be inducted. Hemant Soren Returns from Davos and London Chief Minister Soren returned to Ranchi after participating in the World Economic Forum in Davos and several key engagements in London. He and his wife, Kalpana Soren, were given a grand welcome at the Ranchi airport. Describing the international tour as a historic milestone for the state, Soren emphasized that Jh...

Ranchi: The political temperature in Jharkhand has risen sharply following the announcement of municipal elections. Along with declaring the election dates, the State Election Commission has also set strict limits on campaign expenditure for candidates. After a long wait, the municipal elections in Jharkhand were officially announced on Tuesday, January 27. The announcement has triggered a surge of activity in urban politics across the state. In the elections scheduled on February 23, a total of 43,33,574 voters will exercise their franchise across 48 urban local bodies, including 22,07,203 male voters, 21,26,227 female voters, and 144 transgender voters. This time, however, mayoral candidates will not be able to spend lavishly on election campaigns, as the Election Commission has impos...

Ranchi, Jharkhand: The long-awaited municipal elections in Jharkhand have officially been announced. The State Election Commissioner, Alka Tiwari, informed the media in a press conference in Ranchi that elections for all municipal corporations, municipalities, and nagar panchayats across the state will be held simultaneously. Voting and Model Code of ConductAccording to the Election Commission’s schedule, voting will take place on 23 February 2026, and the results will be declared on 27 February 2026. With the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect across the state. Elections Based on 9 January Reservation ListThe State Election Commission clarified that the elections will follow the reservation list issued on 9 January 2026. For this cycle, the mayora...

Ranchi, Jharkhand: The Jharkhand government has appointed senior retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Alka Tiwari (1988 batch) as the State Election Commissioner of Jharkhand. Ms. Tiwari had retired as the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand on 30 September 2025, and shortly after, she was entrusted with this new responsibility. On 27 January 2026, she announced the dates for the upcoming municipal elections in the state. Four-Year Tenure as State Election CommissionerAlka Tiwari will hold the position of State Election Commissioner for a term of four years, or until she attains the age of 65, whichever comes first. Her appointment has been made under the powers conferred by Section 66(2) of the Jharkhand Panchayati Raj Act, 2001, and the terms and conditions of service are gove...