Ranchi: The confrontation between Dumri MLA Jairam Mahto and police escalated on Wednesday, with Jharkhand Police Association (JPA) demanding his arrest within five days and threatening a statewide agitation if no action is taken in a case involving the alleged intimidation of an officer.The ultimatum came after a purported audio clip of a heated exchange between Mahto and Barwadda police station officer in-charge Ravi Kumar went viral on social media on Tuesday. In the clip, the MLA is allegedly heard using abusive language during a WhatsApp call with Kumar. Police sources said the conversation took place a few days ago.The row originated in a dispute involving Mahto and a mukhiya’s representative that eventually reached the police station. Police alleged that the MLA later arrived with supporters, some of whom created a ruckus and obstructed official work. An FIR was registered against Mahto and others.In a statement, the JPA alleged that Mahto threatened and abused Kumar on the phone before reaching Barwadda police station with his supporters. It claimed the officer’s chamber was vandalised and official property damaged.“Police personnel across the state are angered by such conduct. The MLA and others named in the case registered at Barwadda police station must be arrested,” the association said. It warned that failure to act within five days would trigger a statewide agitation.Mahto rejected the allegations, claiming the viral audio had been selectively edited. He said the original conversation lasted nearly 11 minutes and accused the officer of recording and circulating it to tarnish his image. The MLA also alleged corruption at police stations, claiming sand-laden vehicles were forced to pay illegal levies for passage.The controversy has taken a political turn, with leader of opposition Babulal Marandi questioning the association’s stand. While condemning abusive language, Marandi asked whether standards of decorum applied only to elected representatives.He questioned the association’s silence over allegations of police misconduct and said complaints of rude behaviour and abuse by officers surfaced frequently. Marandi urged the govt to ensure accountability and take legal action against erring personnel, saying genuine reform required equal standards for public representatives and police.
