Chhatradhar Mahato Explained

Chhatradhar Mahato
Native Name:	ছত্রধর মাহাতো
Native Name Lang:	bn
Birth Date:	^[1]
Birth Place:	India
Nationality:	Indian
Known For:	Tribal Leader
Spouse:	Niati Mahato

Chhatradhar Mahato (Bengali: ছত্রধর মাহাতো) (born 1964) is an Indian political activist and convict from Lalgarh, West Bengal. He was the convener of the Police Santrash Birodhi Janasadharaner Committee (– PCAPA) during Lalgarh insurgency.

He gained prominence following the Salboni blast in November 2008. In 2020, he joined Trinamool Congress (TMC).^[2] He was selected in the TMC State Committee in 2020 July.^[3] He was arrested by a team of NIA officials in the early hours of March 28 in connection with the murder of a Communist Party of India (Marxist) worker Prabir Mahato in 2009 ^[4]

Early life

Chhatradhar Mahato was born at a tiny hamlet of Amlia in Lalgarh. He is the eldest of three brothers. After his Higher Secondary examination from Lalgarh Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, he joined Midnapore College where he became an active member of the Chhatra Parishad, student wing of the Congress, inspired by Mamata Banerjee. He did not complete his college education. Mahto belonged to Kudmi Mahato agricultural caste.^[5]

Political prisoner status

In September 2012 Calcutta High Court granted Chhatradhar political prisoner status along with 8 other activist.^{[6] [7] [8]} This ruling made the centre consider challenging the decision, as they feared more naxalites would seek 'political prisoner' status.^{[9] [10]}

Conviction

Court has convicted Mahato under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) along with other three PCPA member Sukhshanti Baske, Sambhu Soren and Sagun Murmu and sentenced to life imprisonment on 12 May 2015.^[11]

Political career

After being released from jail,^[12] he joined TMC officially and was inducted in its State Committee in July 2020.^[13]

See also

• Jagdish Mahto

Notes and References

1. Web site: Once partied with Cong, Trinamool, now he leads tribals in West Bengal. 1 April 2015.
2. Web site: chhatradhar-mahato-joins-tmc-party-meeting-in-jhargram . 2020-07-09. etvbharat.com.
3. Web site: Mamata Banerjee announces reshuffle in TMC organisational structure ahead of 2021 WB Assembly polls. 2020-07-23. www.timesnownews.com. en.
4. News: NIA arrests TMC leader Chhatradhar Mahato . 28 March 2021 . The Hindu.
5. Web site: Trinamool Congress changes strategy to secure Kurmi community's votebank in West Bengal . https://web.archive.org/web/20210314035348/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/feb/14/trinamool-congress-changes-strategy-to-secure-kurmi-communitys-votebank-in-west-bengal-2103159.html . newindianexpress. 14 March 2021. 14 March 2021.
6. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Kolkata/Court-grants-nine-rebels-political-prisoner-status/Article1-934407.aspx Court grants nine rebels political prisoner status
7. https://archive.today/20130103193255/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-24/india/34061317_1_political-prisoners-correctional-services-act-sadula-ramakrishna 9 jailed Maoists are ‘political prisoners’, rules Kolkata court
8. http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/7-maoists-get-political-prisoner-status/55275 7 Maoists get political prisoner status
9. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-may-challenge-political-prisoner-status-to-maoists/article3936092.ece Centre may challenge ‘political prisoner’ status to Maoists
10. http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/maoists-as-political-prisoners/ Maoists as political prisoners?
11. Web site: Chhatradhar Mahato, three others convicted for sedition. 12 May 2015. The Hindu. 12 May 2015.
12. News: Special Correspondent. 2020-02-03. Chhatradhar Mahato released from prison. en-IN. The Hindu. 2020-07-23. 0971-751X.
13. Web site: March 13, 2020. Romita . Datta. Why Mamata Released Chhatradhar. 2020-07-23. India Today. en.