“Uniform vs. Gangster: A War in Dhanbad?” — Babulal Marandi Writes to CM, Demands NIA Probe
Dhanbad / Ranchi: Raising concerns regarding law and order, the coal mafia, and an alleged nexus between the police and criminals in Jharkhand, Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has written a scathing and serious letter to the Chief Minister, demanding an investigation into the entire matter by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Describing the situation in Dhanbad as a hub of “fear, extortion, and a parallel network,” the letter states that the line between criminals and the administrative machinery in the state is becoming increasingly blurred.
Citing a recently viral video allegedly released from abroad by gangster Prince Khan, Marandi noted that these videos level extremely serious allegations against the Dhanbad police administration, the coal trade, mining networks, and the alleged extortion machinery. He claimed that these videos have been compiled into DVDs and sent to the government as well, to ensure that the gravity of the entire situation is fully understood.
The letter also raises serious questions regarding the current Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Dhanbad, Prabhat Kumar. Marandi asserted that this issue is not merely about allegations against a single officer, but rather casts doubt upon the impartiality and credibility of the entire administrative machinery. He alleged that a situation is emerging in Dhanbad where it appears as though a gangster network stands on one side and the uniformed establishment on the other, engaged in a conflict over the control of coal, trade, and economic activities.
In his letter, Marandi stated that a perception is taking root among the public in the state that, between certain officials and criminals, the only remaining distinction is the uniform itself. He claimed that an atmosphere of fear and insecurity is steadily intensifying among traders, industrialists, and common citizens, and that the prevailing culture of alleged extortion and coercion is eroding public trust in the law and order machinery.
He further added that if there is even a shred of truth to the allegations leveled in the viral videos, it signifies not merely an administrative failure, but a grave erosion of the governance system itself. The letter also noted that in sensitive districts like Dhanbad, rumors regarding the alleged procurement of postings through the payment of crores of rupees are rampant; if true, this constitutes a matter of grave concern for the entire system.
Citing the involvement of international criminal networks and potential foreign linkages, the Leader of the Opposition stated that if reports regarding criminals operating from abroad—including the supply of weapons—prove to be true, the matter takes on dimensions of national security. On this basis, he demanded an investigation into the entire episode by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Babulal Marandi's Key Demands:
The current Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Dhanbad, Prabhat Kumar, must be removed immediately.
An impartial investigation into the entire matter must be conducted under judicial supervision.
An independent inquiry must be held regarding the mining mafia, coal pilferage, land encroachment, and alleged administrative patronage.
The veracity of the allegations leveled in the viral video must be verified, and action must be taken against the guilty parties.
A special campaign must be launched to dispel the atmosphere of fear prevailing among traders and the general public.
The entire case must be investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Issuing a stern warning, Marandi stated that if the alleged system of extortion-based governance and the culture of patronage are not curbed, the situation in Jharkhand could deteriorate further. He asserted that the most perilous situation for a democracy arises when the public begins to fear the system itself more than the criminals.
