The Jharkhand government is facing severe criticism from Babulal Marandi, the BJP’s state chief and Leader of the Opposition. Marandi has accused the government of resorting to the creation of entirely new criminal cases as a strategy to hide the reality of existing crimes and corruption. He described this practice as a disturbing trend that has become routine for the administration and its supporting systems. Recent investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the deeply rooted coal syndicate in Dhanbad have uncovered a wealth of incriminating evidence. However, the situation has taken a more sinister turn with allegations that influential police officers, allegedly benefiting from the illegal coal trade, have ordered the ‘permanent removal’ of some of their own operatives involved in the racket. This alleged move appears designed to prevent any cooperation with the ED investigation. Disturbing reports indicate that individuals being interrogated by the ED are now targets of murder plots, intended to ensure that incriminating truths are never revealed. Marandi drew parallels to historical events in the state where alleged encounters were staged to eliminate witnesses and destroy evidence. He specifically mentioned a former DGP who was accused of facilitating contract killings and of setting new benchmarks for corruption in Jharkhand, allegations that were reportedly voiced even by individuals within the ruling coalition. Marandi issued a strong advisory to the ED to remain exceptionally alert. He highlighted that in Jharkhand’s current environment, those who silence the truth wield more power than those who seek it. When political authority, law enforcement, and criminal elements become intertwined, the subversion of justice is merely a procedural step.
