Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
The Special Branch has issued a high alert regarding the security of Chief Minister Hemant Soren amid the ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. Security inputs have reportedly been shared with the police headquarters and the state government, following indications of the presence of anti-social elements and people with criminal backgrounds during the protests.
Following the security alert, the Chief Minister’s residence has been heavily barricaded from all sides, while additional police personnel have been deployed around the premises. Extra security has also been provided to the Chief Minister. Security personnel have been directed to maintain close surveillance on people moving in and around the residence and immediately verify any suspicious activity.
The agitation over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations has continued for several days, with student organisations as well as leaders and workers of various political parties participating in the protests. BJP leaders and workers had also attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence during the agitation.
Security agencies became particularly alert after photographs and videos circulated on social media during the Assembly gherao, allegedly showing some protesters carrying airguns, pistol-like objects and other weapons. The agencies are examining such inputs as part of their security assessment.
According to the Special Branch inputs, some anti-social elements and individuals with criminal backgrounds are allegedly reaching protest sites. Security agencies are reportedly working to identify and monitor such persons.
The alleged use of objectionable and abusive remarks against the Chief Minister and his family on social media has also been taken seriously from a security perspective.
The Special Branch has reportedly apprehended that some anti-social elements could attempt to use the ongoing agitation as a cover to reach the vicinity of the Chief Minister’s residence and create a law-and-order situation.
In view of the inputs, additional barricading and deployment of security personnel have been undertaken around the Chief Minister’s residence. Security agencies have been instructed to maintain heightened surveillance during the protests and keep a close watch on identified individuals and any suspicious movement.
Officials are closely monitoring developments surrounding the JPSC-JSSC agitation to prevent any escalation and ensure the security of the Chief Minister and his residence.
