Babulal Marandi alleges criminal-police nexus in Dhanbad, demands NIA probe
Synopsis
He alleged that traders and ordinary citizens in Dhanbad were living in fear, and that
Key Takeaways
a battle for supremacy is going on between uniformed and non-uniformed criminals
Jharkhand Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi on Tuesday, 12 May launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren-led state government, alleging that law and order had completely collapsed in Dhanbad and that an alleged nexus between criminals, terrorists, and police was fuelling a climate of fear. Marandi made the allegations at a press conference in Dhanbad, demanding a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Key Allegations Against the Soren Government
Addressing journalists, Marandi accused the state government of deliberately shielding criminals and mafias, calling the deterioration in law and order not accidental but a
Point of View
Marandi claimed that illegal weapons were being supplied to Dhanbad from Pakistan via Punjab. He also alleged that one Rahul Singh — accused of facilitating videos by gangster Prince Khan and of providing shooters — was reportedly given protection and an arms licence by authorities. Marandi argued that these inter-state and international dimensions placed the matter squarely beyond the capacity of the state government and made an NIA investigation essential.
Liquor Scam and Default Bail Controversy
On the question of corruption, Marandi alleged that 17–18 accused in an alleged liquor scam had secured default bail due to police negligence and the failure to file charge sheets on time. He described this as a systemic failure rather than isolated lapses, arguing it reflected a broader erosion of institutional accountability under the current administration.
Appointments of ACB Chief and DGP Questioned
The Leader of the Opposition also questioned the appointments of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) chief and the Director General of Police (DGP), accusing the government of granting service extensions to what he called favoured and controversial officers in violation of established rules. He said such appointments were undermining the credibility of governance in the state. Marandi noted that he had written letters to Chief Minister Hemant Soren on these matters but had received no response. Dhanbad MP Dhullu Mahato was also present at the press conference.
What Comes Next
Marandi's demands for an NIA probe are likely to intensify political pressure on the Soren government ahead of any formal legislative or judicial scrutiny. Whether the Centre acts on the opposition's call for a federal agency investigation will be closely watched, particularly given the gravity of the Pakistan-arms-supply allegation, which — if substantiated — would carry national security implications.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Babulal Marandi allege about Dhanbad's law and order situation?
Babulal Marandi alleged that law and order had completely collapsed in Dhanbad, citing an alleged nexus between criminals, terrorists, and police. He claimed traders and ordinary citizens were living in fear and described the deterioration as a deliberate strategy by the Hemant Soren government.
Why is Babulal Marandi demanding an NIA probe in Dhanbad?
Marandi demanded an NIA investigation because he alleged that illegal weapons were being supplied to Dhanbad from Pakistan via Punjab, and that a gangster-linked individual named Rahul Singh was given protection and an arms licence. He argued these inter-state and international dimensions were beyond the state government's capacity to handle.
What is the allegation regarding the liquor scam and default bail?
Marandi alleged that 17–18 accused in an alleged liquor scam secured default bail because police failed to file charge sheets on time. He described this as a systemic failure reflecting broader institutional negligence under the current administration.
Who is Dhullu Mahato and why was he at the press conference?
Dhullu Mahato is the Member of Parliament from Dhanbad. He was present at Babulal Marandi's press conference in Dhanbad on 12 May, lending political weight to the opposition's allegations against the Hemant Soren government.
What has the Hemant Soren government said in response to these allegations?
According to reports, the Soren government has not publicly responded to Marandi's allegations. Marandi himself noted that letters written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren on these issues had been met with silence.
