Jharkhand: New Crimes ‘Manufactured’ to Hide Coal Mafia Links, Says BJP

The Jharkhand government faces severe accusations from opposition leader Babulal Marandi, who claims the administration is actively ‘manufacturing’ new criminal incidents to obscure the reality of ongoing crime and corruption. Marandi highlighted the alarming situation in Dhanbad’s coal sector, where recent ED investigations have supposedly uncovered disturbing links. The core of his allegation centers on senior police officers allegedly collaborating with coal mafias, using proceeds from illicit coal trade to ‘contract’ the elimination of their own foot soldiers. This alleged tactic aims to prevent these operatives from testifying or revealing crucial evidence during ED interrogations. The opposition leader warns that those cooperating with the ED are reportedly at risk of being ‘eliminated’ to ensure secrets remain buried. He drew parallels to past instances in Jharkhand where alleged ‘encounter killings’ were used to dispose of evidence rather than apprehend criminals. Marandi recalled a former DGP widely criticized for alleged involvement in contract killings and unprecedented corruption, with accusations even coming from within the ruling coalition. He stressed the need for the ED to be exceptionally cautious, stating that in Jharkhand, suppressing truth is often rewarded, while speaking it leads to peril. The alignment of power, police, and mafia, he concluded, makes the mockery of justice a foregone conclusion.