Seven Arrested in Murder of Tribal Village Head in Jharkhand

In a tragic event in Jharkhand's Khunti district, seven people have been arrested for the murder of tribal village head Soma Munda. The incident, linked to a land dispute, occurred while Munda was returning home with his wife. As a prominent figure in the community, Munda's death has raised concerns over local land sales and traditional rights. The police are continuing their investigation to apprehend additional suspects involved in this shocking crime.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 13:06 IST

Tragic Incident in Khunti District

In a shocking incident in Khunti district, Jharkhand, authorities have apprehended seven individuals in connection with the murder of a tribal village head. This information was disclosed by the police on Wednesday.

The victim, Soma Munda, who had previously contested for the Khunti seat in the 2024 assembly elections under the banner of the Abua Jharkhand Party (AJP), was killed on January 7 due to a land dispute.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Manish Toppo confirmed that the main suspect and six others have been taken into custody. Efforts are ongoing to locate two shooters and additional accomplices involved in the crime.

Munda was shot while riding a motorcycle with his wife on the Namkum-Jamuadg road, marking a tragic end to his life. He held the title of 'Adel Sanga Padhra Raja,' a traditional leader for 22 villages.

According to the SP, the murder stemmed from a dispute over 3.16 acres of land in the Jiyarappa village area of the Khunti police jurisdiction. The land was reportedly being sold by Debabrata Nath Shahdev, a descendant of landlords from Ranchi, with the assistance of local individuals.

Munda and several villagers opposed these selling efforts, as the land had been the site of a traditional fair, the Padhra Jatra Mela, for many years. Last November, the land was leveled, and stone markers were removed, actions that Munda had protested against. Following this, a conspiracy was formed leading to his murder.