Militant groups, including Maoists and several smaller extremist organisations, are wreaking havoc across Jharkhand, particularly in Ranchi and its surrounding areas, where businessmen, transporters, and contractors are facing constant threats. The militants are frequently resorting to extortion, setting vehicles on fire, and terrorising local communities through violence.
The situation has worsened in areas like Khalari, Nagari, Budhmu, McCluskieganj, and Khunti, with groups such as the TPC (Tribal Party of Chotanagpur), PLFI (People’s Liberation Front of India), JJMP (Jharkhand Janmukti Parishad), and others challenging the Jharkhand Police with acts of arson and gunfire.
In just the past few days, extremist groups have openly defied police and armed personnel. On November 20, 2024, JJMP militants set fire to four Hiva trucks in Latehar. Just a few days later, on November 24, an armed gang, led by Aman Saw, opened fire on a truck in the same region. Other incidents of violence include a shooting at a petrol pump in Chandwa, Latehar, on November 15, and multiple vehicle burnings in Khunti on November 26 and December 3, 2024.
In the past few months, similar attacks have taken place in Budhmu, where six vehicles were torched on August 8, and in Haidernagar, Palamu, on June 2, when a JCB and two tractors were burned. Most recently, on December 12, 2024, a construction site in Ormanjhi, Ranchi, was attacked by militants.
In the coal-rich regions of Piparwar, Tandwa, Khalari, and McCluskieganj, the area commanders of the TSPC, such as Suraj Lohar alias Balwant, have been targeting coal traders and transporters. These militants are extorting money from businesses and threatening them with violence if the levy is not paid. In Khalari, the notorious criminal gang of Alok Ji has also been active, setting fire to vehicles belonging to businessmen who fail to meet their demands.
The Jharkhand Police is now intensifying efforts to eliminate these extremist groups. A concerted campaign is being launched to target the leaders of these organisations. The police have issued rewards for information leading to the capture of key figures such as Brajesh Ganjhu of the TPC (Rs 25 lakh), Aakraman Ganjhu (Rs 15 lakh), and Arif alias Shashikant (Rs 10 lakh), along with several others. The NIA (National Investigation Agency) is also involved in tracking the movements of these extremists.
The Jharkhand Police is also focusing on dismantling the economic support of these groups. As part of their strategy, they are confiscating properties belonging to the militants and their affiliates, and have instructed district police chiefs to act swiftly against the absconding members. The government has also authorised the attachment of properties linked to these criminal gangs.
In urban centres like Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Jamshedpur, organised criminal gangs are continuing to extort money from businessmen and professionals. Mayank Singh, a notorious henchman of the Aman Sahu gang, has been active in Ranchi, where he has committed several incidents of firing and arson. The Jharkhand Police is working with the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) to arrest him, as he operates internationally, coordinating his criminal activities from abroad. More than 25 cases have been registered against Singh, who is believed to be based in Azerbaijan, working under the instructions of Lawrence Bishnoi. The police are currently in the process of extraditing him.
Another infamous criminal, Prince Khan, who operates out of the United Arab Emirates, has over 50 criminal cases registered against him, including extortion, murder, and attempted murder. A Red Corner Notice has been issued against him, and the Jharkhand Police is collaborating with Interpol to track him down.
Aman Sahu, the leader of the Aman Sahu gang, has been in police custody for over two years but continues to run his operations from jail. Despite multiple transfers, he remains a significant challenge for the police. Similarly, Ashish Ranjan Singh, involved in the murder of a rival gangster in Dhanbad jail, continues to evade capture. His house has been seized, and a manhunt is underway.
To crack down on organised crime, the Jharkhand Police have been directed to file dual FIRs in cases of extortion linked to extremist groups. The police are also analysing phone records, including location data, call histories, and recharge histories, to gather intelligence on these criminals.
Anurag Gupta, the DGP of Jharkhand, stated, “We are committed to dismantling these extortion networks and ensuring that those responsible for terrorising our state are brought to justice. Our actions will be swift and relentless.”
With these concerted efforts, the Jharkhand Police aim to break the back of extremist groups that have plagued the state for years, causing widespread fear and economic harm. The situation remains tense, but with continued pressure from the police, there is hope that these violent gangs will be rooted out in the coming months.
