Fugitive gangster makes ‘extortion’ allegations against Jharkhand IPS officer, BJP seeks probe

The gangster is also heard alleging that traders were being forced to pay money to avoid being implicated in “terror funding” cases. He further accused the officer of facilitating illegal coal operations and exploiting poor residents in the coal belt region, claiming he “possessed proof of such illegal financial dealings”.

When contacted, the officer declined to comment, saying he was “unaware” of such a video.

The video has since triggered a political storm with Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and BJP state president Aditya Sahu questioning Jharkhand’s law-and-order machinery and seeking a deeper investigation. Calling the allegations deeply concerning, former chief minister Marandi said they raised questions over the state’s law enforcement machinery and pointed to a “nexus” between mafias and sections of the administration. He also targeted Chief Minister Hemant Soren, saying the video raised serious questions about the state’s administrative machinery.

In a statement, the BJP demanded the immediate removal of the officer, a high-level impartial inquiry, judicial monitoring of allegations linked to mining mafias, land grabbing and administrative protection, and strict legal action against those found guilty.

“If there is even a fraction of truth in these allegations, then this is not merely an administrative failure but a serious crisis for democratic governance,” Marandi said, while questioning why officers facing such allegations were being given important responsibilities instead of being subjected to scrutiny.

Responding to the BJP’s allegations, JMM general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya defended the state government and said the BJP should instead question the Centre over why the fugitive gangster had not been brought back to India.

“The Jharkhand Police has repeatedly written to the Government of India regarding such hardened criminals because he is not in the country anymore. If he is abroad, then only the Union government can bring him back through agencies like Interpol,” Bhattacharya told The Indian Express.

Calling the BJP’s attack politically motivated, he said the Opposition should ask Union Home Minister Amit Shah why such criminals were able to flee the country and why the Centre had failed to bring them back. “Irrespective of who the officer is, if a criminal is making such statements, then that itself is wrong,” he added.

Shubham Tigga is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, presently based in Pune, where he covers the intersections of infrastructure, labor, and the modern economy. His reporting focuses on civil aviation, urban mobility, the gig economy, and workers' unions, providing critical insights into how transit and commercial sectors impact the daily lives of citizens. Expertise & Background Before moving to Pune, he reported extensively from his home state of Chhattisgarh, where he focused on Indigenous (Adivasi) issues, environmental justice, and grassroots struggles in mainland India. This experience gives him a unique lens through which he analyzes the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities. Academic Foundation He is an alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and ethical journalism. His academic training, combined with his field experience in Central India, allows him to navigate complex socio-economic landscapes with nuance and accuracy. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd