Jharkhand’s political landscape is abuzz with accusations from Babulal Marandi, state BJP president and leader of the opposition, who claims the ruling government is actively fabricating new criminal incidents to mask deeper issues. Marandi stated that the state administration and its associated systems have developed a habit of creating artificial crimes to cover up real ones. Recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) actions in the coal hub of Dhanbad have exposed a dark underbelly of corruption. The situation is exacerbated by allegations that some senior police officers, allegedly profiting from the ‘black empire’ of coal, have ordered the elimination of key figures within the coal mafia. These ‘hit targets’ are purportedly intended to prevent individuals from cooperating with the ED and revealing damaging truths. Concerns are mounting that individuals currently cooperating with the ED’s investigation are being targeted for assassination to stifle the truth. Marandi drew parallels to past incidents in Jharkhand where ‘evidence encounters’ were allegedly orchestrated to dispose of problematic individuals. He referenced a former Director General of Police who faced severe accusations, including contract killings and unparalleled corruption, even from within the ruling establishment. The ED is strongly advised to proceed with extreme caution, as the prevailing atmosphere in Jharkhand is conducive to suppressing truth rather than bringing it to light. When political power, law enforcement, and criminal enterprises become intertwined, the subversion of justice becomes a mere formality.
