CBI Court Convicts Ex-Jharkhand Minister Anosh Ekka, 9 Others in Land Case

Fast Summary

• On August 29, 2025, the court of Special Judge, CBI, Ranchi convicted former Jharkhand Minister Anosh Ekka and nine others in a land acquisition case violating the Chota Nagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act.
• The other accused include: Menon Ekka (wife of Anosh Ekka), Kartik prabhat, Raj Kishore Singh, Firoz Akhtar, Brijesh Mishra, Anil Kumar, Manilal Mahta, Brajesh mahto and Parshuram Karketta.
• The case was initiated after CBI registered an FIR on August 11, 2010 post-orders by the Jharkhand High Court in two public interest litigations.
• The allegations stated that Anosh Ekka acquired disproportionate assets and forged addresses to facilitate purchase of land from Scheduled Tribe members unlawfully through his wife.
• A sum of ₹1.18 crore was spent acquiring plots between 2006-08 in Ranchi District. Land transactions were facilitated with connivance from LRDC officials despite legal restrictions under CNT Act prohibiting such transfers.
• A charge-sheet was filed against 16 individuals on December 10, 2012 after examination concluded.
• Sentencing arguments are scheduled for August 30.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The conviction highlights serious breaches of laws intended to protect tribal land rights under the CNT Act-a cornerstone regulation safeguarding indigenous communities’ lands in Jharkhand. Allegations regarding political figures exploiting loopholes or engaging complicit officials underline systemic vulnerabilities within governance frameworks designed to uphold these protections.

This judgment potentially strengthens accountability mechanisms for violations impacting marginalized groups but also reflects significant delays-the case spanning over a decade since its initiation in court underscores inefficiencies within judicial systems addressing high-stakes corruption cases. While further proceedings will determine sentencing outcomes for those convicted tomorrow (August 30), this may serve as precedent-setting deterrence against exploitation involving politically influential actors.

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