Jharkhand’s opposition leader, Babulal Marandi, has accused the ruling government of orchestrating new criminal activities as a diversionary tactic to hide the prevalence of actual crime. Marandi, who also serves as the state BJP President, declared that creating new offenses to cover up existing ones has become a modus operandi for the government and the system in Jharkhand. The Enforcement Directorate’s recent investigation into the coal mafia’s extensive network in Dhanbad has brought to light a series of shocking revelations. Most concerning are the alleged orders from influential police officials, whose wealth is allegedly tied to the illegal coal trade, instructing subordinates to ‘permanently neutralize’ certain operatives involved in the racket. The objective, it is believed, is to ensure that crucial witnesses cooperating with the ED cannot testify. This tactic of staging ‘encounter killings’ of individuals linked to evidence mirrors past incidents in the state. Marandi drew a parallel to a former DGP notorious for alleged contract killings and unprecedented corruption, facing accusations from within the ruling coalition itself. He issued a stern warning to the ED, advising extreme vigilance. Marandi highlighted that the state operates on a principle where truth-suppressors thrive, not truth-tellers. The confluence of political power, administrative machinery, and organized crime, he warned, renders the pursuit of justice a hollow ritual.
