Chatra (Jharkhand), Nov. 18: In what is being seen as taking inspiration from “Lok Adalat” (or, the people’s court) being run in various parts of the country, Maoist organisations in Jharkhand are adopting the move to promote a positive image among locals.

Tritiya Prastuti Committee, a Maoist organisation that holds People's Court at Chatra, is just one of them. It claims to put a check on crime in the areas under its influence through “Jan Adalat. ”

The Maoist organisation has conducted a series of people's courts at and around Chatra, Latehar and Ranchi districts of the State.

At one such "Jan Adalat" held recently, three persons were presented for allegedly trying to waylay some vendors of diesel and lubricants.

"We were searching for Communist Party of India (CPI) Maoists in their area. While preparing to get inside their vicinity, I noticed these three guys on motorbikes. On questioning, it was learnt that one of them, Santosh Oraon, was the brother of Roshan Oraon, a CPI Maoist's sub zone commander, " said Bheekamjee, Area Commander of Tritiya Prastuti Committee.

"Later, one of them from Gonda village, Puri, started running. That's when I doubted that all of them belong to CPI Maoist group, and asked my cadre to fire them", he added.

It was claimed that the Tritya Prasuti Committee cadre workers recovered arms from the nabbed persons and this included two. 315 guns, one mobile phone, and a dagger.

"We have been beaten up by them. They freed us, when we told them the truth. But next time, if we are caught, they will surely shoot us, " said Santosh Oraon, one of the three persons tried by “Janata Adalat”.

Though these public courts are claimed to be held for various reasons, but the purpose of creating a positive image among the locals cannot be denied.

Culprits found involved in crimes like dowry, theft and others are punished. At times, even police officials also fall prey to them.

Meanwhile, the overall Maoist movement in the region has also suffered due to splits and formation of umpteen factions.

In fact, CPI Maoists have suffered a major setback in Districts like Palmaon, Latehan, Gumla, Lohardaga and Chhtava, which at one time used to be the stronghold of their cadres.

It is said that in these districts, the organisation suffered a vertical split in the name of caste.

Also at same places, cadres revolted for the demand of "levy", which is basically extortion from the mine owners and transporters of minerals and other ores. It is said that the huge amount raised through extortion was usually cornered by the top brass among the Maoists.

Presently, besides Tritya Prasuti Committee, organisations like Jharkhand Prastuti Committee (JPC) and others are also holding Jan Adalats. They generally pick cases related to the rival cadre persons and punishing them on some criminal charge. (ANI)