Dhanbad: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi launched a sharp attack on the Jharkhand government over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Addressing a press conference in Dhanbad, he alleged that criminals, mafias, and gangsters are flourishing under the protection of the state government and police administration.
Marandi said Jharkhand’s law and order situation has reached a dangerous stage, claiming that a nexus between police officials, gangsters, and mafias has eroded public trust in the administration. According to him, the situation has not merely worsened naturally but has been “deliberately allowed to deteriorate.” He questioned how effective governance could be expected when tainted officers are given important postings.
Targeting the Dhanbad SSP, Marandi remarked that there is a “competition between uniformed and non-uniformed goons to expose each other,” while the government remains a silent spectator. He said businessmen and ordinary citizens alike are living in fear and uncertainty.
The BJP leader further stated that he had recently written to the Chief Minister regarding the issue. Referring to videos allegedly released by gangster Prince Khan, Marandi claimed that illegal weapons were being supplied through Punjab from Pakistan and that there were links between criminals, terrorists, and some police personnel. He alleged that the matter was not limited to an inter-state crime syndicate but had possible international connections as well.
Marandi also alleged that Rahul Singh, accused of arranging shooters for Prince Khan, was provided security personnel and even granted an arms license. He questioned why no accountability had been fixed so far and said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should take over the investigation, as the Hemant Soren government was incapable of conducting a fair probe.
He also criticized the functioning of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), alleging that officers already facing cases and property attachment proceedings were being appointed to top posts. Citing the liquor scam case, he claimed that several accused persons secured default bail because the government and police failed to file charge sheets on time.
Marandi additionally targeted the state government over the appointment and extension of former DGP Anurag Gupta. He alleged that rules were ignored while appointing and extending the tenure of senior police officials, including Tadasha Mishra. According to him, such decisions at the top level weaken the entire law and order machinery of the state.
Dhanbad MP Dhullu Mahato was also present during the press conference.