Two individuals lost their lives, and two others sustained severe injuries during a violent clash involving firing between two rival groups in Gendra village, located in Jharkhand’s Chatra district. The unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday night, causing fear and tension among the villagers. The deceased have been identified as Devendra Ganjhu and Churaman Ganjhu.
Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that both conflicting groups had past affiliations with the banned Maoist organization Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC). The clash erupted when Devendra Ganjhu, accompanied by his associates, visited Shyam Bhokta’s residence in Gendra village late on Sunday. An argument ensued between Devendra Ganjhu and Shyam Bhokta over a previous dispute, escalating into a violent confrontation.
Allegedly, during the altercation, Devendra Ganjhu and his companions resorted to indiscriminate firing. As a result, Shyam Bhokta and his brother-in-law, Gopal Ganjhu, suffered severe gunshot wounds. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Devendra Ganjhu and his associate Churaman Ganjhu were fatally shot on the spot.
Law enforcement authorities, upon being informed of the incident, swiftly responded to the scene to restore order. The bodies of the deceased were taken into police custody for post-mortem examination, while the injured were initially treated at Pratapgarh Community Health Centre before being transferred to Daltonganj and subsequently to RIMS, Ranchi, for advanced medical care.
The ongoing investigation suggests that the clash stems from a prolonged rivalry and power struggle among former TPC members. Devendra Ganjhu, a former TPC member with a history of 36 serious criminal cases, was involved in the incident. The injured Shyam Bhokta also had previous ties to the outlawed group. The village remains on edge post-incident, with residents staying indoors due to safety concerns. Police presence has been heightened in the area, and a comprehensive investigation is underway.
