Ranchi, July 1 (IANS) The Himanshu Singh murder case in Jamshedpur has triggered a major political storm in Jharkhand, with the BJP announcing a city bandh in Jamshedpur on July 3, demanding murder charges against police personnel allegedly responsible for negligence in the case.

The party has also called for a torchlight procession on the evening of July 2 as a mark of protest against what it claimed was a complete collapse of law and order in the state.

Addressing a Press conference at the BJP state headquarters here on Wednesday, BJP Jharkhand President Aditya Sahu said the incident was not merely a murder but a direct assault on the rule of law and public faith in the police system.

Sahu demanded that murder cases be lodged against the guilty officers and personnel, all accused be arrested immediately, and the case be tried in a fast-track court.

“The morale of criminals has reached such alarming levels that murders are being committed openly in the presence of the police,” Sahu alleged.

The incident occurred on the night of June 27 outside the Double Down Pub and Bar in Jamshedpur’s Bistupur area. According to allegations, Himanshu Singh and his friend objected to the alleged harassment of women by a group of youths inside the establishment. A confrontation followed, during which Himanshu was attacked.

In an attempt to save himself, Himanshu reportedly sought refuge inside a police PCR vehicle. However, the attackers dragged him out in front of police personnel and assaulted him with sharp-edged weapons. He sustained critical injuries and succumbed during treatment on June 29.

“If a citizen takes shelter in a police vehicle to save his life and is still dragged out and killed while the police remain silent spectators, it reflects a shocking failure of the policing system,” Sahu said.

The BJP leader further demanded adequate compensation and government assistance for the victim’s family and accused the Hemant Soren government of failing to maintain public safety.

Amid mounting public pressure, Chief Minister Hemant Soren late on Tuesday night ordered the immediate removal of East Singhbhum Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Piyush Pandey and Seraikela-Kharsawan Superintendent of Police Nidhi Dwivedi.

The Chief Minister directed that both officers be attached to the Police Headquarters.

CM Soren asserted that public safety remained the government’s top priority and warned that strict action would be taken against criminals as well as officials found negligent in discharging their duties.

The CM also directed the Chaibasa Divisional Commissioner and the ADG (Ranchi) to camp in the region and conduct daily reviews of the law-and-order situation.

The Jamshedpur DIG has also been instructed to remain stationed in the city and closely monitor developments.

Earlier on Tuesday, four police personnel, including Bistupur SHO Alok Dubey, were suspended. The district administration also sealed the Double Down Pub and Bar and ordered a detailed probe into its licence, security arrangements and operational practices.

Police have registered an FIR against 10-11 individuals, including the bar operator and BJP leader Neeraj Singh. Three accused, including Sonu Ram Sardar and Raj Lohar, have been arrested so far, while efforts are underway to apprehend other suspects.

The incident has triggered large-scale protests across Jamshedpur. Demonstrators blocked the busy Bistupur roundabout for several hours on Tuesday, while angry protesters also targeted the official vehicle of the City SP.`

–IANS

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