Jharkhand’s opposition leader, Babulal Marandi, has leveled serious allegations against the state government, accusing it of fabricating new crimes to cover up its failures and the prevalence of existing criminal enterprises. Marandi expressed concern that the government and its associated systems are now actively creating new offenses as a diversionary tactic. The recent ED investigations into the extensive coal mafia network in Dhanbad have brought to light disturbing connections. More alarmingly, it is reported that certain senior police officers, allegedly enriched by the proceeds of illegal coal trade, have instructed the coal mafia to ‘eliminate’ their own operatives to prevent them from cooperating with the ED. The leader suggested that the intention behind these alleged directives is to ensure that those being questioned by the ED are silenced permanently, thereby obstructing the investigation and keeping the truth hidden. Marandi drew parallels to past incidents where ‘evidence was encountered’ under the guise of apprehending criminals, recalling a former Director General of Police accused of orchestrating staged encounters for hire and setting new benchmarks for corruption in Jharkhand, with even ruling party members reportedly leveling such accusations. He cautioned the ED to remain vigilant, emphasizing that in Jharkhand, power often lies with those who bury the truth, not reveal it. The situation becomes dire, he warned, when political power, the system, and criminal syndicates operate in unison, rendering justice a hollow concept.
