Jhakhand News: Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey Raises Concern Over Police Extortion, Writes to DGP

Ranchi, December 20, 2024: Jharkhand’s Agriculture Minister, Shilpi Neha Tirkey, has expressed grave concerns over the hardships faced by farmers in the state due to alleged police extortion. In a letter addressed to Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta, she highlighted the challenges farmers encounter during the buying and selling of livestock and agricultural produce.

Farmers Facing Extortion During Livestock Trade

Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey emphasized that local police officials are reportedly extorting money from farmers transporting their dairy and other livestock to markets. This illegal activity has not only imposed a financial burden on the farmers but also created an atmosphere of fear, discouraging them from pursuing livestock farming as a viable livelihood.

In her letter, the minister detailed incidents where farmers were forced to pay bribes while transporting cattle and other animals for sale, significantly impacting their economic stability.

Impact on Rural Livelihoods

The minister pointed out that these unethical practices are directly affecting rural farmers’ ability to engage in animal husbandry. She noted that the fear of harassment and financial exploitation has caused hesitation among farmers, ultimately hindering the growth of this critical sector in Jharkhand.

Minister Demands Immediate Action

Shilpi Neha Tirkey urged the DGP to take strict action against the involved police personnel and issue necessary directives to curb such activities. She reiterated the importance of ensuring a supportive environment for farmers to carry out their trade without fear or undue financial pressure.

State Government’s Commitment to Farmers

The Jharkhand government has been actively working to improve the conditions of farmers by introducing various welfare schemes. However, such incidents undermine these efforts, creating additional challenges for the agricultural community.