THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 27: Tensions escalated in Ranchi on Thursday as BJP leaders and workers staged a bandh (shutdown) in protest against the brutal murder of senior party leader Anil Tiger. The bandh saw widespread demonstrations, road blockades, and clashes with security forces, leading to the detention of several BJP leaders, including Pratul Shahdeo.
BJP leaders accused the Hemant Soren-led government of failing to maintain law and order, with prominent party figures, including Union Minister Sanjay Seth, Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi, Rajya Sabha member Deepak Prakash, and BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo, issuing strong statements against the administration.
Sanjay Seth: Ranchi Has Become a Crime Capital
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth joined the protests, condemning the deteriorating security situation in Jharkhand.
“Ranchi has turned into a crime capital. The rule of law has collapsed, and the state is witnessing nothing short of ‘jungle raj.’ Criminals roam freely, while innocent people and political leaders are being targeted. I believe the ‘Yogi model’ should be implemented here to bring criminals under control,” he said.
Despite the security concerns, Seth refused to accept police protection, stating that he preferred to stand with the people rather than seek special privileges.
Babulal Marandi: Police Weakening the Case, Framing False Allegations
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi strongly criticized the police for mishandling the investigation into Anil Tiger’s murder. He alleged that instead of ensuring justice, the administration was engaged in character assassination.
“The murder happened just 100-125 meters from Kanke police station, yet the police are trying to divert attention by linking Anil Tiger to unrelated cases in Latehar and Kudu. I personally verified these claims, and there is no truth to them. The police are deliberately weakening the case instead of catching the real culprits,” Marandi stated during the Jharkhand Assembly session.
He further alleged that police stations were being given “recovery targets” and that the officers were more focused on financial gains than law enforcement.
“The criminal was caught by the public, yet the police are now trying to take credit for the arrest to win medals. There must be a serious discussion on the law-and-order situation in Jharkhand,” he added.
Deepak Prakash: Jharkhand Government Protecting Criminals
Former Jharkhand BJP President and MP Deepak Prakash also lashed out at the state government, accusing it of sheltering criminals and failing to control rising violence.
“This government is openly protecting criminals. Murders are happening in broad daylight, and criminals have no fear of the police. The Hemant Soren administration is directly responsible for this lawlessness,” he said while addressing BJP workers during the bandh.
Prakash further claimed that the bandh was a reflection of public anger and that the people of Jharkhand would not remain silent in the face of injustice.
“This fight is not just for Anil Tiger but for the safety of every citizen of Jharkhand. If the government cannot control crime, it has no right to remain in power,” he added.
Pratul Shahdeo: Police Targeting Protesters Instead of Criminals
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo, who was detained by the police, criticized the administration for suppressing peaceful demonstrators while failing to take strict action against criminals.
“Instead of catching murderers, the police are targeting BJP workers who are demanding justice. Is it a crime to protest against lawlessness? The people of Jharkhand will not be silenced,” he said.
Shahdeo also accused the police of forcibly reopening shops during the bandh, despite widespread public support for the shutdown.
“The bandh was a spontaneous response by the people. The police had no right to forcefully lift the protest. A bandh is a democratic right, and the government cannot take that away,” he added.
Heavy Police Deployment, Tensions in Ranchi
In response to the bandh call, the administration deployed heavy security across Ranchi to prevent any untoward incidents. Clashes erupted in several areas as BJP workers attempted to enforce the shutdown, leading to detentions and minor scuffles.
Ranchi SP (City) Raj Kumar Mehta stated that the police were ensuring normalcy in the city and that law enforcement actions were ongoing.
“Criminals will not be given any safe haven. The police are taking all necessary measures to restore order and ensure that businesses operate normally,” Mehta said.
Despite the heavy police presence, the bandh saw a significant impact, with several markets, businesses, and transport services remaining shut for hours.
Background: The Murder of Anil Tiger
Senior BJP leader Anil Tiger was shot dead in broad daylight near Kanke Chowk, just 25 meters from a police station, sparking outrage within the party and among the public. His killing has become a major political flashpoint, with BJP leaders demanding justice and stricter law enforcement.
One of the accused, Rohit Verma, was arrested following an encounter with the police. However, the BJP remains dissatisfied with the investigation, alleging that the police are trying to shield influential figures involved in the crime.
What’s Next?
The Ranchi bandh has sent a strong message of public discontent over law and order in Jharkhand. With BJP leaders continuing to demand justice for Anil Tiger, the political climate in the state is expected to remain heated in the coming days.
The Hemant Soren government now faces mounting pressure to take concrete action, not only to ensure justice for Anil Tiger but also to address the broader concerns about rising crime in the state.