New Delhi: In a major exposé, a Republic Special Investigation has uncovered the disturbing reality of a massive infiltration plot targeting tribal villages in Jharkhand , particularly in Sahibganj and Pakur districts. Initially appearing as isolated incidents of fake identities and intimidation, the situation has escalated into a coordinated, large-scale land grab scheme, threatening the livelihoods and heritage of the local tribal communities.  

This infiltration is not limited to just fake Aadhaar cards, as initially suspected, but extends to a broader, more sinister agenda that seeks to erase the land rights of the tribal population. Tribal men, often lured by promises of security or land ownership, are falling victim to a cunning plot masterminded by a network of outsiders. The situation has taken a toll on Hindu villagers in the area, who report increasing hardships in the face of growing intimidation. They allege that these infiltrators not only encroach upon their land but also create an atmosphere of fear, where any opposition to their activities is met with violence and threats.

Villagers from these regions have come forward to expose the troubling tactics used by infiltrators, who are allegedly duping local people, often by marrying tribal women and acquiring land through coercion or fraud.

Hardships Faced by Local Villagers

Speaking to the Republic’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), Anita Hembram shared, “This used to be all forest, but now, all you see are houses belonging to Muslims. Women here go out in search of jobs, only to be told to give up their land in return. There’s no space left for ST (Scheduled Tribes).”

Debu Upmukhiya, the village head, revealed how the system operates. “These infiltrators marry poor tribal women, then claim the land as a ‘donation’ from the family”, Debu told Republic, adding that they are dealing with Bangladeshi infiltrators whose ultimate goal is to take over tribal land by marrying into their community.

Mala Mandal, another resident, echoed similar remarks and recounted how the number of houses has surged with the influx of Bangladeshi infiltrators. She recalled incidents of violence that took place on October 17-18, saying, “When we, the Hindu residents, tried to stand up to them, they threatened us with knives and warned they’d stab us.”

Another villager described how an altercation erupted over a religious issue: “We went to offer prayers, but they surrounded us from three sides. They’d slaughtered a cow, and when we asked them not to, the confrontation began. They just told us, ‘We’ll butcher it. What can you do about it?’”

A Systemic Problem Uncovered

The scale of this infiltration plot is becoming increasingly clear, with Republic’s investigation uncovering how systemic land grabbing and intimidation have turned this once-thriving region into a site of exploitation. As the investigation unfolded, a chilling reality emerged: the tribal villagers of Jharkhand were fighting not only for their land but for their very right to exist in the places their ancestors once called home.