Security personnel were deployed in Ranchi to maintain order as the 'Ranchi Bandh' was enforced by the Jharkhand BJP and All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) in protest against the murder of BJP leader Anil Mahto, widely known as Anil Tiger. Police endeavoured to disperse BJP supporters who obstructed roads, creating severe disruptions across the city during the bandh. (Pics/PTI)
Updated on : 27 March,2025 01:55 PM IST | Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
The blockade left commuters stranded, with a woman visibly distressed as she found herself unable to travel due to the road closures. Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, joined BJP workers in the protest, blocking roads to demand swift justice for their slain colleague.
Demonstrators raised slogans against the state government, holding Chief Minister Hemant Soren responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation in Jharkhand. The protest turned tense as BJP leaders, including Pratul Shahdeo, were detained by the police while agitating against the killing of Anil Tiger.
BJP leaders accused the police of inaction, lamenting that while political demonstrators were swiftly detained, the authorities had failed to prevent the murder of their senior party member. Sanjay Seth strongly condemned the state government, declaring that Ranchi had turned into a hub of crime under Hemant Soren's leadership and advocating for the implementation of the 'Yogi model' of governance.
The minister criticised the administration’s approach, stating that he required no additional security but sought justice for the slain BJP leader. SP City-Ranchi Raj Kumar Mehta assured the public that police action was underway, asserting that Jharkhand had no place for criminals.
Authorities worked to restore normalcy, attempting to reopen shops that had been forcibly shut down during the bandh, citing that enforcing such a shutdown was unconstitutional. BJP leader Pratul Shahdeo expressed dismay, pointing out that Anil Tiger was murdered in broad daylight, barely 25 metres from a police station, yet the police response was inadequate.
The prime suspect in the killing was apprehended following a police encounter, sustaining a gunshot wound to the thigh before his arrest. BJP leaders and workers vowed to continue their demonstrations, holding the state government accountable for what they perceive as a worsening security crisis in Jharkhand.
