Under the Ranka police station jurisdiction of Garhwa district, police have apprehended three individuals accused of extorting money from mine and crusher proprietors, and instilling fear in the community. These individuals purportedly identified themselves as area commanders of the Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) whilst demanding protection money.
Reports indicate that authorities have recovered illicit firearms, stolen mobile devices, Maoist pamphlets, and a motorcycle used in the commission of these offences.
On 18 March, Mohan Murari Dev, a mine operator, lodged a complaint at the Ranka police station, asserting that on the night of 16 March, three unidentified criminals trespassed onto his mine premises and menaced his employees. The perpetrators demanded levies in the name of the TSPC, and upon encountering resistance, stole mobile phones before absconding. They also threatened fatal violence and cessation of work should their demands remain unmet.
Based on Dev's complaint, a case was registered at the Ranka police station under case number 42/25, dated 18.03.2025, under sections 303(2)/308(3)/308(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 17 of the C.L.A Act.
Following directives from the Garhwa Superintendent of Police, a specialised team was assembled under the leadership of the Superintendent of Police (Operations), Garhwa. On the night of 28 March, police intelligence indicated that the criminals were plotting a significant incident near the mines and crushers. A raid was executed in the jungle, resulting in the arrest of all three individuals. The apprehended criminals have been identified as Shahid Ansari (the principal instigator), Ashok Singh, and Maqdas Ansari. Police recovered a .315 bore locally manufactured pistol, stolen mobile phones, Maoist leaflets, and the motorcycle employed in the incident. The primary suspect, Shahid Ansari, allegedly impersonated an ISPC area commander while attempting to extort levies. He has a documented history of involvement in diverse criminal enterprises. Garhwa police have lauded this operation as a substantial triumph and are continuing their pursuit of other potential accomplices.
