Ranchi: The murder of Himanshu Singh in Jamshedpur has escalated into a major political controversy, with the BJP announcing a citywide bandh on July 3 and demanding murder charges against police personnel accused of negligence in the case.
The party has also planned a torchlight procession on the evening of July 2, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order under the Hemant Soren-led government.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP’s state headquarters in Ranchi on Wednesday, Jharkhand BJP President Aditya Sahu described the incident as not just a murder but a serious failure of the policing system that had shaken public confidence. He demanded that murder cases be registered against the police personnel found responsible, all accused be arrested without delay, and the matter be heard in a fast-track court.
Sahu alleged that criminals had become so emboldened that they were committing murders openly in the presence of the police. “If a citizen seeks refuge inside a police vehicle to save his life and is dragged out and killed while police personnel remain mere spectators, it reflects a complete collapse of policing,” he said.
The incident took place on the night of June 27 outside Double Down Pub and Bar in Jamshedpur’s Bistupur area. According to allegations, Himanshu Singh and a friend objected to a group of youths allegedly harassing women inside the establishment, leading to a confrontation.
As the situation turned violent, Himanshu reportedly took shelter inside a police PCR vehicle. However, the attackers allegedly pulled him out in front of police personnel and assaulted him with sharp-edged weapons. He sustained critical injuries and died during treatment on June 29.
The BJP has also demanded adequate compensation and government support for the victim’s family, accusing the state government of failing to ensure public safety.
Facing mounting public outrage, Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday night removed East Singhbhum Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Piyush Pandey and Seraikela-Kharsawan Superintendent of Police Nidhi Dwivedi, directing that both officers be attached to Police Headquarters.
The Chief Minister said public safety remains the government’s highest priority and warned that strict action would be taken against both criminals and officials found negligent in performing their duties. He also directed the Chaibasa Divisional Commissioner and the ADG (Ranchi) to remain in the region and conduct daily reviews of the law-and-order situation, while the Jamshedpur DIG has been instructed to stay in the city and closely monitor developments.
Earlier, four police personnel, including Bistupur SHO Alok Dubey, were suspended in connection with the case. The district administration also sealed the Double Down Pub and Bar and ordered a detailed inquiry into its licence, security arrangements and operational practices.
Police have registered an FIR against 10 to 11 people, including the bar operator and BJP leader Neeraj Singh. Three accused, including Sonu Ram Sardar and Raj Lohar, have been arrested, while efforts are continuing to trace and arrest the remaining suspects.
The incident has sparked widespread protests across Jamshedpur. On Tuesday, demonstrators blocked the busy Bistupur roundabout for several hours, and angry protesters also attacked the official vehicle of the City SP.
With inputs from IANS