Tribal Family Gets Justice, Resolving 17-Year-Old Land Dispute
Ranchi: A tribal Munda family from Mauja Jirabar in Ormanjhi block, Ranchi district, finally received justice in a 17-year-old land dispute. The disputed land Khata number 79, Plot number 867, Area 57 dismil belonged to Sohri Devi, wife of the late Jatru Munda, as per the Khatiyani Kayami (Raiyati) records. However, Mohan Baitha, a resident of Hundur village and son of the late Shamu Baitha, had been illegally occupying this land for the past 17 years. Following continuous conflict and disputes, Sohri Devi filed a case in the SAR (Scheduled Area Regulation) court in 2017-18. During the hearings, Mohan Baitha failed to produce any valid documents to support his claim. After a long legal process, the SAR court ruled in favor of Sohri Devi. In compliance with the court’s decision, Ormanjhi Circle Officer (CO) Ujjwal Soren issued notices to both parties four times. Despite multiple opportunities, Mohan Baitha was unable to present any substantial documents before the circle office. As a result, on February 27, 2025, under the leadership of CO Ujjwal Soren, Sohri Devi was granted Dakhil-Dahani (legal ownership and possession) of her land.
This historic action was carried out in the presence of several officials and community representatives, including Ranjit Singh (Circle Inspector, Ormanjhi), Shoaib Ansari (Circle Amin), Mukhtar Alam (Assistant Amin), Pramil Oraon (Panchayat Samiti Member, West Kuchhu Panchayat), Babulal Mahli (President, Adivasi 22 Padhha Sarna Committee, Sadma-Ormanjhi-Kanke region), and prominent local figures like Shambhu Karmali, Ravi Munda, Sanjay Munda, Manoj Oraon, Vikram Munda, Pusu Oraon, and Indu Oraon.
The Ormanjhi police administration was also present to maintain law and order during the process. This action marks a significant step by the administration in strengthening justice and law enforcement. Sohri Devi and her family expressed their gratitude toward the authorities and finally breathed a sigh of relief after years of struggle.
