Marandi condemned the alleged late-night crackdown near Tambo Chowk, calling it “a brutal assault on peaceful demonstrators.” He said the incident exposed the “cruel and inhuman face” of the government and reflected a complete breakdown of law and order.
File Photo: IANS
The police action on tribal villagers protesting for “No Entry” restrictions in Chaibasa has triggered a political storm in Jharkhand, with BJP state president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accusing the Hemant Soren government of protecting an “illegal mining syndicate” at the cost of public safety.
Marandi condemned the alleged late-night crackdown near Tambo Chowk, calling it “a brutal assault on peaceful demonstrators.” He said the incident exposed the “cruel and inhuman face” of the government and reflected a complete breakdown of law and order.
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“This is not a law-and-order failure; it is state-sponsored violence meant to shield corruption,” Marandi said.
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According to reports, hundreds of villagers, including women, had gathered on NH-220 demanding enforcement of a “No Entry” rule for heavy trucks carrying sand and iron ore through residential areas. The protesters said more than a hundred people have lost their lives in accidents involving overloaded trucks in the past year.
Late on Sunday night, police allegedly resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Unconfirmed reports suggest that several villagers were seriously injured. Officials have not yet released an official statement on the number of injuries or arrests.
Marandi alleged that the government was deliberately avoiding implementation of the “No Entry” rule to protect the financial interests of a powerful mining lobby.
“This route is the lifeline of the illegal mining syndicate. Every truck pays commission, and the proceeds reach all levels of the system from ministers to local officials,” he alleged.
He cited former Chief Minister Madhu Koda’s recent statement claiming he had informed police about six illegal trucks operating in Noamundi earlier this month, yet no action was taken. “Such silence proves that the police and mining mafia are working hand in hand,” Marandi added.
Calling the police action “a blow to democracy,” Marandi demanded a high-level judicial inquiry, immediate suspension of the responsible officers, and criminal proceedings for attempt to murder. He also sought compensation for the injured and justice for the affected families.
The demand for “No Entry” restrictions in mining zones has been a long-standing issue in parts of West Singhbhum, where villagers complain of unsafe highways, damaged roads, and rising fatalities linked to unregulated truck movement.
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