Jharkhand’s Leader of Opposition and BJP State President, Babulal Marandi, has sharply criticized Chief Minister Hemant Soren regarding a controversial police award. Marandi stated that while the Chief Minister has the prerogative to bestow awards as he sees fit, he wishes to bring a specific individual to the CM’s attention. It is reported that Constable Ranjit Rana of JAP-2 is slated for an award, listed at number 27. Marandi alleges that Rana has never participated in any anti-Naxal operations and has been working as a computer operator for Anurag Gupta since 2015. He claims Rana is involved in Gupta’s alleged illicit activities and has been previously brought to the CM’s notice. Marandi questions the basis for honoring Rana with a ‘commendable service’ medal when no such service has been rendered. He provocatively asks if aiding senior officials in illegal activities and participating in their ‘loot’ now qualifies as ‘commendable service’ in Jharkhand. If this is a mistake, he suggests it be brought to the CM’s attention, otherwise, it’s the CM’s discretion.
