The political landscape in Jharkhand is charged with accusations as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president and Leader of Opposition, Babulal Marandi, has alleged that the state government is actively fabricating new criminal incidents to conceal existing ones. Marandi declared that the current administration and its associated systems have developed a habit of manufacturing crimes as a diversionary tactic. This claim surfaces following recent significant Enforcement Directorate (ED) operations targeting the alleged ‘black empire’ of coal in Dhanbad, which have reportedly unearthed startling evidence. The most disturbing aspect, according to Marandi, is intelligence suggesting that certain ‘top police officials,’ allegedly enriched by the proceeds of illegal coal mining, have issued ‘targets’ to their ground operatives within the coal mafia. These targets are reportedly aimed at the ‘permanent elimination’ of individuals cooperating with the ED’s investigation. Marandi voiced concerns that individuals providing testimony to the ED are allegedly being targeted for murder to prevent the truth from coming to light. He referenced past instances in the state where alleged ‘encounter killings’ were used to eliminate evidence, framing it as a systematic attempt to counter investigations. He specifically alluded to a former DGP notorious for alleged contract killings and extreme corruption, even facing criticism from ruling party members. Marandi strongly advised the ED to maintain heightened alertness, stating that in this climate, silencing the truth is paramount, and revelation is suppressed. He concluded that when power structures, the administrative system, and organized crime become intertwined, the subversion of justice is almost a foregone conclusion.
