Double Down murder: Police announce Rs 2 lakh reward on key accused
Administration reaches agreement with Himanshu Singh’s family
Pioneer News Service
Jamshedpur
East Singhbhum Police intensified efforts to arrest the prime accused in the sensational Bistupur bar murder case by announcing a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh for information leading to his arrest on Wednesday.
In an official press release issued on Wednesday, the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police (City), East Singhbhum, announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on the absconding prime accused, Vishwanath Mandal alias Bodra, a resident of Gamharia in Seraikela-Kharsawan district. Police appealed to the public to share any information regarding his whereabouts, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.
Following several rounds of discussions involving senior district officials, police representatives, community leaders and family members, Himanshu’s relatives agreed to accept the body from MGM Medical College Hospital and proceed with the last rites.
Himanshu Singh, 28, succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal stabbing outside Double Down (DD) Bar in Bistupur, triggering widespread protests and political outrage across Jamshedpur. The family had refused to accept the body, demanding justice, strict action against the accused and accountability for alleged lapses by police personnel.
Under the written assurance, the district administration agreed to recommend a compassionate government job for Himanshu’s wife to the state government. Officials also assured the family that financial assistance would be extended under applicable government welfare schemes.
The administration further committed to conducting a thorough inquiry into the conduct of the police personnel on duty during the incident.
Police officials said raids are continuing across Jharkhand and neighbouring states to apprehend the remaining accused. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, technical evidence and witness statements as part of the murder investigation.
After accepting the administration’s assurances, family members appealed to the public to maintain peace during the funeral. While reiterating that their fight for justice would continue until all those responsible are brought to book, they said their immediate priority was to perform Himanshu’s last rites with dignity.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das also visited Himanshu Singh’s residence to console the bereaved family. He expressed concern over the incident and called for swift and exemplary action against those involved.
Meanwhile, the Dhalbhum Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s Court imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across six police station areas of Jamshedpur to prevent any deterioration in the law-and-order situation.
The restrictions have been enforced in the jurisdictions of Bistupur, Sakchi, Sonari, Kadma, Mango and MGM police stations after intelligence inputs suggested that various groups were planning protests, rallies, road blockades and demonstrations over the incident.
