Law and Order in Jharkhand Hasn’t Deteriorated; It Was Deliberately Undermined” — Babulal Marandi
Speaking at a Press Conference in Dhanbad, the Leader of the Opposition Demands: “NIA Probe into the Nexus Between Police, Criminals, and the Mafia”
Dhanbad: Launching a scathing attack on the Hemant government regarding the state of law and order in Jharkhand, Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi stated at a press conference held in Dhanbad that the law and order situation in the state has reached a “dangerous juncture,” and that criminals and the mafia are flourishing under the patronage of the government and the police administration.
Marandi alleged that a nexus has formed in Jharkhand involving the police, gangsters, and the mafia—a situation that has completely shattered the trust of the common people. He asserted, “The law and order situation in the state has not merely deteriorated; rather, it has been systematically and deliberately undermined.” He raised the pertinent question: How can one expect better law and order when tainted officials are appointed to key districts and critical administrative posts?
The Leader of the Opposition also took aim at the Dhanbad police administration, observing that a bizarre rivalry has emerged there, wherein “goons in uniform” and “goons out of uniform” are engaged in a competition to expose one another, while the government remains a silent spectator. He added that traders and the general public are living in an atmosphere of fear.
Babulal Marandi stated that he recently wrote to the Chief Minister, demanding an investigation into the allegations of a nexus involving criminals, terrorists, and the police in Dhanbad. He claimed that a video released by gangster Prince Khan has brought to light the illicit supply of weapons from Pakistan—routed through Punjab—and has exposed the existence of an interstate and international criminal network. Marandi further alleged that the role of the police in providing patronage to these criminals is highly suspicious.
He pointed out that accused individuals like Rahul Singh were even provided with bodyguards and arms licenses, yet the government has failed to hold anyone accountable for these actions. Demanding that the entire matter be investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Marandi asserted that such a probe would “separate the wheat from the chaff” and reveal the absolute truth.
During the press conference, he also raised questions regarding corruption and administrative appointments. Marandi alleged that officials who are already facing legal cases are being entrusted with key responsibilities. He also took the government to task over the liquor scam and the appointments of senior police officers, stating that the state has been handed over to the "police, goons, and the mafia."
Dhullu Mahato was also present at the press conference during this time.
