Coal Mafia ‘Hit List’ Allegations in Jharkhand; ED Warned

A grave allegation has been leveled against the Jharkhand government by Babulal Marandi, the state BJP chief and Leader of the Opposition, accusing it of concocting new crimes to mask underlying criminal activities. Marandi stated that the government and its apparatus are increasingly resorting to manufacturing offenses as a tactic to conceal the true crime statistics in Jharkhand. Recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigations into the extensive coal trade network in Dhanbad have brought to light alarming details. Most critically, Marandi revealed that certain influential police officers, allegedly profiting from the illegal coal trade, have allegedly tasked individuals with eliminating key operatives of coal mafias permanently. The purpose of these alleged ‘hit jobs’ is reportedly to prevent the ED from uncovering further truths through their interrogations. Marandi recalled past instances in the state where evidence was destroyed through staged encounters, disguised as apprehending criminals. He pointed to a former Director General of Police who was accused of arranging contract killings and rampant corruption, allegations even voiced by ruling party members. Marandi issued a strong caution to the ED, advising them to proceed with utmost care. He asserted that in Jharkhand, power lies with those who bury the truth, not those who expose it. When the government, the system, and criminal enterprises become intertwined, the miscarriage of justice becomes an easy outcome.