Ranchi SSP Directed to Appear in Person on November 4
Ranchi, October 29, 2026: The Jharkhand High Court has taken a stern view of alleged lapses in the police investigation into the high-profile murder of Sandeep Pramanik, a DJ operator at Ranchi’s Extreme Bar. Expressing serious dissatisfaction with shortcomings in the initial investigation and the availability of evidence, the court has directed the Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to appear in person on November 4. The court has also asked the SSP to explain what disciplinary action has been taken against the police officers responsible for negligence during the investigation.
Murder Took Place on the Night of May 26, 2024
The case relates to a shooting incident at Extreme Bar in Kadru, Ranchi, late on the night of May 26, 2024. Sandeep Pramanik, a DJ operator originally from West Bengal, was allegedly shot dead following a dispute at the bar.
According to the police investigation, an argument and physical altercation broke out between some youths and bar employees. After the situation calmed down, the youths left the premises. However, the main accused, Abhishek Singh, allegedly returned with his associates carrying a rifle from his residence in Sail City, intending to take revenge. He allegedly shot Sandeep Pramanik, who died at the spot. While fleeing, the accused also reportedly fired several rounds into the air in the bar’s parking area.
14 Accused Arrested
Following the incident, the police arrested 14 accused persons and sent them to jail based on CCTV footage and eyewitness statements.
After the trial, a Ranchi lower court convicted 10 accused, including the main accused, Abhishek Singh alias Vicky, under provisions relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and the Arms Act.
The other convicted persons were Ashok Kumar Singh, Mohammad Shamiruddin, Prateek, Mrityunjay Kumar, Prakash Kumar, Diwakar Upadhyay, Alok Deeva, Pankaj Kumar and Sumit Kumar.
The lower court sentenced all 10 convicts to nine years of imprisonment each and imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on each.
High Court Questions Quality of Police Investigation
Challenging the lower court’s verdict and sentences, all the convicts filed criminal appeals before the Jharkhand High Court.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the High Court examined the case diary and available evidence and raised questions about the quality of the police investigation and shortcomings in the initial inquiry.
The court directed the Ranchi SSP to appear personally and submit an explanation. It also sought details of the action taken against the police officers found responsible for negligence in the investigation.
The SSP’s appearance on November 4 is expected to be significant in determining the court’s further consideration of the alleged investigative lapses.
