The investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the coal mafia in Jharkhand is reportedly facing severe challenges, with opposition leader Babu Lal Marandi accusing the state government of actively creating new crimes to divert attention and shield culprits. Marandi asserts that the government and its network are resorting to manufacturing new criminal incidents as a tactic to hide the extent of real criminal activities. The recent ED actions in Dhanbad’s coal-rich regions have apparently uncovered sensitive details. A particularly disturbing aspect, according to Marandi, is that certain ‘senior police officials’ are allegedly colluding with the coal mafia, providing them with ‘targets’ to ‘permanently remove’ their ground-level operatives. The purpose behind this alleged conspiracy is to prevent these operatives from cooperating with the ED and revealing incriminating information. Reports suggest that individuals currently being interrogated by the ED are being targeted for elimination to ensure that the truth remains buried. Marandi recalled a history in the state of ‘evidence encounters’ disguised as law enforcement operations. He also referenced a former DGP who faced allegations of orchestrating contract killings and unparalleled corruption. He cautioned the ED to proceed with utmost care, as the prevailing environment favors those who suppress truth over those who expose it. When governmental power, bureaucratic systems, and criminal enterprises converge, the perversion of justice becomes almost inevitable.
