BJP activists in Ranchi have called a nine-hour bandh following the killing of party leader Anil Mahto, alias Anil Tiger, who was gunned down on March 26, 2025. The killing took place in daylight at Kanke Chowk, only 50 meters away from a police station, and has raised serious questions about law and order in the state. Mahto, former member of zila parishad and general secretary of the BJP rural unit of Ranchi, was attacked by assailants on bikes when she was preparing for Mahaveer Jayanti.
Subsequent to the attack, BJP and AJSU leaders blamed the state government for not ensuring safety and security.
Protesters shut down key roads such as Kanke Chowk and Booty More, setting tires ablaze and calling for justice for Mahto. One suspect, Rohit Verma, has been arrested by the police in a brief scuffle, while attempts are being made to arrest another attacker.
BJP political leaders have condemned the killing, with former Union minister Arjun Munda and others going to meet Mahto's family to condole with them.
They faulted Chief Minister Hemant Soren for Jharkhand's worsening law and order situation and demanded that he step down on moral grounds.
The situation is still volatile with continued protests and investigations.
