Protest erupts in Ranchi over youth’s murder; locals lay siege to Dhurwa police station

Ranchi- Tension swept through the Sithio Basti locality under Dhurwa police station on Tuesday after residents erupted in anger over the murder of 22-year-old Arshad Ansari.

Alleging police negligence, Arshad’s family members and hundreds of locals staged a massive demonstration outside the Dhurwa police station for several hours, demanding the swift arrest of all perpetrators.

The protesters claimed that despite repeatedly alerting officials about increasing criminal activities and the growing influence of land mafias in Sithio Basti, the police failed to take timely action.

“There is hardly any patrolling here. We kept informing the police, but no steps were taken,” a resident said.

Arshad was shot dead late Monday evening when two men on a motorcycle opened fire at close range, shooting him in the head. Though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Police arrived shortly after the shooting and launched an investigation. The Dhurwa police station in-charge reported that one accused, Tausif, was arrested within 12 hours, and raids are underway to nab the remaining suspects.

According to the victim’s brother, Mohammad Jilani, locals Ibrar and Sanjay Kohra, who are allegedly involved in land dealings, may have been targeting someone else, and Arshad was killed by mistake. He accused Ibrar, Sanjay, and Tausif of conspiring to murder his brother.

The family has demanded the immediate arrest of all accused. Police have assured that a detailed investigation is in progress and that all involved will be arrested soon.

Heavy police deployment continues in the area as tension remains high.

With inputs from IANS