THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 10: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren demanding an NIA investigation into the alleged police-criminal nexus, organised extortion network, coal mafia operations and possible international links in Dhanbad.
The demand comes after notorious gangster Prince Khan allegedly released a series of videos from abroad on social media, making serious allegations against the Dhanbad police administration, coal mafia and an extortion syndicate operating in the district.
Marandi also sought the immediate removal of Dhanbad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prabhat Kumar from his post.
‘Serious Questions on Administrative Credibility’
In his letter to the Chief Minister, Marandi said the allegations raised in the videos have put the credibility of the state administration under scrutiny.
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He stated that copies of the videos had been compiled on a DVD and attached to the letter to help the government assess the seriousness of the matter.
According to Marandi, the issue goes beyond the claims of a single criminal and raises broader concerns over the functioning of the law enforcement system in Jharkhand.
Allegations of Coal Mafia Nexus and Extortion
The Opposition leader alleged that Dhanbad was witnessing an atmosphere where fear and extortion were growing among traders, industrialists and coal businessmen.
He claimed the videos contained allegations related to land grabbing, links between mining mafias and officials, misuse of administrative power and intimidation of citizens.
Marandi said the situation in Dhanbad appeared to reflect a “battle for supremacy” between criminal gangs and sections of the police establishment over control of coal trade and economic activities.
Demand for NIA Investigation
Citing the alleged interstate and international dimensions of the network, Marandi demanded that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe the matter.
He also referred to reports of criminal operations allegedly being run from abroad and claims regarding illegal arms procurement.
“If there is even a grain of truth to these allegations, this constitutes an extremely grave matter concerning not only Jharkhand but also national security,” the letter stated.
Concerns Over Governance and Law & Order
Marandi further alleged that public trust in law enforcement was weakening and claimed there was a growing perception that postings in sensitive districts were linked to large-scale financial dealings.
He accused the state government of failing to take effective action despite earlier complaints regarding organised crime and extortion networks in Dhanbad.
The Jharkhand government has not yet issued an official response to the allegations or the demand for an NIA probe.