Babulal Marandi, the BJP State President and Leader of Opposition, has vehemently criticized the Jharkhand state government for its perceived failure to curb escalating crime and the brazen actions of criminals. He specifically targeted the rampant ‘levy’ or extortion racket that has taken hold across the state. Marandi stated that the fear orchestrated by an alleged criminal operating from foreign soil has spread to Ranchi, affecting major commercial hubs like Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Jamshedpur. During his recent field visits, Marandi heard disturbing personal accounts from people in Bokaro, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, and other regions detailing their experiences with this terror. Several leading businessmen disclosed being pressured for substantial amounts, ranging from 5 to 10 crore rupees, yet they remain anonymous due to overwhelming fear. The dire situation was underscored by a recent incident where a prominent Ranchi doctor was threatened with demands for millions in ransom. This points to a severe breakdown in the state’s law and order machinery, raising questions about the government’s effectiveness. Marandi asserted that the state government is capable of apprehending criminals who have fled the country. If bringing them to justice internationally is proving challenging, he urged for the swift arrest of their operatives within Jharkhand. He presented two possible scenarios: either the entire extortion operation is conducted with the direct support and patronage of the Chief Minister and senior police officials, allowing them to arbitrarily target individuals for threats and collections, or the state government and its police force are simply too intimidated and weakened to confront this criminal syndicate. Jharkhand’s business owners and doctors are currently living under extreme duress. Marandi issued a firm warning, calling for immediate government action to apprehend the criminals and ensure they face legal consequences, threatening that otherwise, the opposition will consider the government complicit in this pervasive extortion enterprise.
