Land Compensation Dispute Leads to Tragic Self-Immolation in Jharkhand

A 68-year-old woman named Anand Hitkarini died after allegedly self-immolating over a land compensation dispute in Jharkhand's Bokaro district. Villagers and ashram disciples protested by blocking a road. The issue stems from a dispute between two groups over compensation for land acquired for a highway.

A 68-year-old woman, identified as Anand Hitkarini, has died after allegedly setting herself on fire over a land compensation dispute in Jharkhand's Bokaro district, police reported on Tuesday.

Hitkarini, who managed the Anand Margi Ashram in Khuthara village, took the drastic step on Monday due to a contentious dispute over compensation for land acquired for the construction of a national highway.

The incident sparked protests from local villagers and ashram disciples, who blocked a road in the area. Authorities are investigating the claim that the Ashram, initially owned by Sarvatma Anand, was later acquired by Hitkarini, leading to a dispute over a Rs 4.10 crore compensation amount. Deputy Superintendent of Police Vashishtha Narayan Singh stated that the full circumstances will be clarified once the investigation concludes.