Dhanbad, May 12 Jharkhand Leader of the Opposition and former chief minister Babulal Marandi, on Tuesday, hit out at the Hemant Soren-led government, alleging that law and order has completely broken down in the state.
Addressing a press conference in Dhanbad, Marandi accused the government of shielding criminals and mafias.
He said the deterioration in law and order was not accidental but a “deliberate strategy”, claiming that traders and ordinary citizens were living in fear due to an alleged nexus between criminals, terrorists and the police in Dhanbad.
Seeking an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), BJP leader Marandi said such a probe was necessary to expose the alleged nexus. “How can one expect better law and order when tainted officers are posted in key districts and important positions?” he asked.
Expressing concern over the situation in Dhanbad, he alleged that a battle for supremacy is going on between uniformed and non-uniformed criminals, while the government remains a silent spectator.
Raising concerns over security and terrorism, the BJP leader claimed that illegal weapons were being supplied to Dhanbad from Pakistan via Punjab. He also alleged that Rahul Singh, accused of facilitating gangster Prince Khan’s videos and providing shooters, was reportedly given protection and an arms licence.
Describing the issue as related to inter-state and international security, Marandi insisted that only the NIA was competent to handle the investigation. He said that it was beyond the capacity of the state government to tackle the issue.
On corruption, the Leader of the Opposition alleged that 17-18 accused in the alleged liquor scam secured default bail due to police negligence and failure to file charge sheets on time.
He also questioned the appointments of the ACB chief and the DGP, accusing the government of granting service extensions to favoured and controversial officers in violation of rules, thereby eroding the credibility of governance.
Referring to letters written to the Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Marandi said the government had chosen silence instead of fixing accountability.
Dhanbad MP Dhullu Mahato was also present at the press conference, which was held in Dhanbad.
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