Award for Alleged Accomplice? Marandi Challenges CM Soren on Police Honor

A political storm is brewing in Jharkhand as Babulal Marandi, the BJP’s state chief and Leader of Opposition, has questioned Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s decision-making process for awarding police personnel. Marandi conceded the CM’s authority to give awards but highlighted a specific nominee, Constable Ranjit Rana of JAP-2. According to Marandi, Rana, who is number 27 on the award list, has a questionable record, having never been part of any Naxalite campaigns. Instead, Rana has allegedly served as Anurag Gupta’s computer operator since 2015. Marandi asserts that Rana is not only an accomplice but also privy to Gupta’s alleged ‘dark deeds.’ He claims that Rana’s reputation for engaging in illicit activities, including coal smuggling, is well-known within police circles. The core of Marandi’s protest is the rationale behind awarding Rana a ‘commendable service’ medal when his alleged actions do not warrant such recognition. He further probes whether assisting senior officers in criminal enterprises and illegal profiteering is now considered praiseworthy in the current Jharkhand administration. Marandi concluded by suggesting that if this award is a misstep, it should be rectified, but ultimately deferred to the CM’s judgment.