Babulal Marandi, the state president of the BJP and Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand, has leveled serious charges against the state government, alleging they are manufacturing new crimes to cover up existing ones, particularly related to the coal mafia. Marandi highlighted that this practice has become a disturbing norm within the government and its associated systems. Investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the coal empire in Dhanbad have unearthed alarming evidence. The situation is further exacerbated by credible information indicating that certain ‘top police officials,’ allegedly enriched by the coal industry’s ill-gotten gains, have tasked the mafia with eliminating their operatives to prevent any information from reaching investigators. These operatives are reportedly targeted for elimination while they are under ED scrutiny, a move designed to obstruct the investigation. Marandi invoked past instances where ‘evidence encounters’ were allegedly conducted under the guise of apprehending criminals. He referenced a controversial former DGP in Jharkhand, notorious for alleged contract killings and unprecedented corruption, whose actions were even criticized by members of the ruling party. Consequently, Marandi urged the ED to exercise extreme vigilance, emphasizing that truth-tellers are suppressed while those who conceal facts wield influence. He concluded that when the ruling establishment, the system, and criminal syndicates converge, the process of achieving justice is systematically undermined.
