“Gangsters in Jharkhand Are Exposing the Police’s Dirty Secrets” : Babulal Marandi
Ranchi : Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has once again launched a scathing attack on the state government regarding the law and order situation and the functioning of the police in Jharkhand. Following the emergence of an alleged viral video featuring Dhanbad’s notorious gangster Prince Khan, Marandi remarked that while the police typically expose criminals, the situation in Jharkhand has been completely inverted; now, it is the gangsters themselves who are exposing the alleged nefarious activities of the police force.
Posting on the social media platform 'X', he stated that Prince Khan’s viral video does not merely challenge the police; rather, it appears to be serving as an "evaluation" of the Dhanbad Senior Superintendent of Police's (SSP) tenure. He characterized this incident as a matter that raises serious questions regarding the state's law and order situation. Marandi alleged that the situation in Dhanbad no longer resembles a conflict between the police and criminals, but has instead devolved into a scenario akin to a gang war between two parallel syndicates. According to him, a fierce rivalry has emerged between the two sides over who can instill greater terror among traders and the general public. Taking a sarcastic dig, he remarked that the only distinction between the two is that one side allegedly engages in extortion while wearing a uniform, whereas the other does so without one.
The Leader of the Opposition also raised grave concerns regarding "political patronage" within the state and the criteria for postings in sensitive districts. He asserted that when there is widespread public talk that postings are secured by bidding crores of rupees, it is only natural for the public to lose faith in the administration and the police machinery. He questioned whether such postings are intended to improve law and order, or if they effectively serve as a "license for extortion." Issuing a stern warning to Hemant Soren, Marandi stated that if this modus operandi—characterized by extortion and an atmosphere of fear—is allowed to persist, Jharkhand could descend into a state even worse than "Jungle Raj" (lawlessness). He emphasized that when the very protectors of the law become the source of fear, democracy itself is imperiled. Furthermore, he noted that the public is now demanding to know: just how long will this alleged game of issuing "extortion licenses" be allowed to continue?
