THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Oct 23: Jharkhand BJP State President and Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, on Wednesday expressed strong displeasure over the conduct of senior administrative officials in Bokaro district, accusing them of ignoring calls from public representatives and showing irresponsibility in their official duties.
Calls Made to Discuss Hospital Probe After Kin’s Death
According to sources close to the BJP leader, Marandi had attempted to contact the Bokaro Deputy Commissioner (DC), Superintendent of Police (SP) and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) around 11 a.m. to seek a probe into a private hospital where one of his relatives had reportedly died a day earlier.
However, all official and unofficial contact numbers of the three senior officials were found switched off, which, Marandi said, reflected poorly on the functioning and seriousness of the Hemant Soren-led government.
“If top officials of a district are unreachable even at 11 o’clock in the morning, one can easily imagine how responsibly the government is functioning,” Marandi remarked.
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‘Officers Have Multiple Secret Numbers’
Marandi further alleged that several senior bureaucrats and police officers in Jharkhand maintain multiple mobile numbers—one official number that remains perpetually unanswered, a private number for friends and associates, and additional “secret” numbers used for unofficial dealings.
He claimed that a senior police officer was reportedly carrying “seven or eight” mobile phones, while some brokers and middlemen allegedly handled extortion-related communications on his behalf.
“Chief Minister Hemant Soren should personally verify how such officers are operating under his administration. This raises serious questions about administrative discipline,” Marandi said.
DC’s Office Denies Allegations
Meanwhile, sources close to Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Ajaynath Jha dismissed the allegations, stating that the DC was “in regular touch” with Marandi and his private secretary Rajendra Tiwari.
“There was a slight delay in processing his demand for post mortem due to festival holidays. The DC has been accepting calls from everyone. There is no question of ignoring the Leader of the Opposition,” said a source from the Bokaro administration, adding the DC had ordered a probe against the hospital.
Marandi Urges Chief Minister’s Intervention
Marandi urged the Chief Minister to take immediate cognisance of the matter, stating that officers are appointed to serve the public, not to remain inaccessible.
“If public representatives face such difficulties in reaching officials, one can easily imagine the plight of the common people,” he added.
