Jharkhand’s opposition leader Babu Lal Marandi has leveled serious accusations against the state government, alleging that it is creating new crimes to conceal existing ones and protect powerful figures. This disturbing trend, according to Marandi, has become a habit for the government and its associated systems. Recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) actions in the coal mafia’s stronghold in Dhanbad have unearthed alarming evidence. Most concerning is the revelation that certain high-ranking police officials, allegedly benefiting from the illicit coal trade, have provided targets to eliminate key operatives of the coal mafia permanently. The objective appears to be silencing those who could expose the truth. Intelligence suggests that individuals being questioned by the ED are now targets for assassination, preventing crucial information from coming to light. This mirrors past incidents where ‘encountering evidence’ under the guise of apprehending criminals was a practiced tactic. Jharkhand has a history with a controversial Director General of Police (DGP) accused of orchestrating killings for hire and amassing unprecedented corruption, allegations even echoed by members of the ruling party. The ED is being strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, as in this state, those who suppress truth, not those who speak it, hold sway. When power, the system, and criminal elements align, the subversion of justice becomes a mere formality.
