Tribal groups protest after flyover ramp construction resumes under tight security

RANCHI: Tension mounted in Siromtoli on Friday after Ranchi district administration deployed security personnel to resume the construction of the Siromtoli flyover's ramp.

Tribal communities had protested the construction of the ramp and claimed that it impeded their religious site, the Sarna Sthal. The construction was halted before Sarhul festivities last month.

The situation escalated on Thursday night after construction materials were dumped on the site. Reacting swiftly, tribal communities descended to the streets in protest.

Babloo Munda, president of Kendriya Sarna Samiti, said, "The National Scheduled Tribe Commission had ordered an investigation following our April 4 complaint and directed chief secretary, urban development department's secretary, Ranchi deputy commissioner and the administrator of Ranchi Municipal Corporation to submit a report within five days. Despite this, construction was resumed and access to our religious site was restricted."

Authorities had previously demolished a section of the under-construction flyover before the Sarhul festival in March, but tribal groups are demanding permanent removal of the ramp. Tribal outfits also enforced a bandh in the city to mark their protest.

Ranchi Sadar subdivisional officer Utkarsh Kumar said security deployment was purely precautionary. "We had intelligence about possible law and order issues, but the day passed without incident," he said.

Former state minister Geetashree Oraon, who led the protests, said, "The govt remains stubborn despite tribal opposition." Ranchi MLA CP Singh, who also visited the site on Friday and met the protestors, announced that CM Hemant Soren would meet the community members over the issue after returning from Europe. The tribal outfits will protest at Albert Ekka Chowk on Saturday.