New Delhi: Yesterday, police used batons against protesting students during a siege of the Legislative Assembly in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. Reports of student injuries emerged from several locations, and tension prevailed between the police and protesters throughout the day. In protest against the lathi-charge on students, the BJP has called for a ‘Jharkhand Bandh’ (shutdown) today; consequently, a lockdown-like situation may prevail in the state today, Tuesday.
Ranchi police are on high alert due to the BJP’s call for the shutdown. Security personnel have been deployed at every nook and corner to maintain law and order, with approximately 3,000 personnel stationed for security duties. Sensitive areas across the state will be monitored from a control room. Police forces have been deployed to handle any untoward incidents or unruly elements arising from the shutdown.
Police cordon around the stadium
During the Jharkhand Bandh, Ranchi police will also keep a close watch on Jaipal Singh Stadium, which has become a hub for protests. A security cordon has been established there to prevent protesters from disturbing the peace. Police apprehend that chaos, similar to yesterday’s events, could erupt in this area today.
In light of this, heavy security arrangements have been put in place from Jaipal Singh Stadium to the Legislative Assembly. Senior police officers will be in the field, constantly monitoring activities, and the situation will also be assessed using drone cameras. The police’s primary objective will be to maintain peace, and personnel have been instructed to conduct march-pasts in their respective areas.
Action against those disturbing the peace
Ranchi SSP Rakesh Ranjan will oversee security arrangements during the BJP’s shutdown. Directives have been issued to ensure the transport system remains uninterrupted and to prevent crowds from gathering anywhere. Surveillance across the state will be conducted via drones.
Police officers have been assigned to monitor the situation. The state police department has stated unequivocally that strict action will be taken against offenders if anyone attempts to take the law into their own hands.
Clash Between Police and Protesters
Students had gathered to lay siege to the Legislative Assembly in protest against alleged irregularities in the examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. Determined to carry out the siege, the protesters broke through barricades at several locations. The police resorted to a lathi-charge against those who took the law into their own hands.
Some students sustained injuries during the incident. The agitated protesters had already breached six barricades, but at the seventh, the police dispersed the crowd using water cannons, tear gas shells, and a lathi-charge. The opposition has raised questions regarding the police’s use of force.
