A brutal gun battle between two underworld gangs in Ranchi has injured three men in what authorities are calling a classic case of land grab gone wrong. The incident, unfolding in broad daylight, has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a massive police crackdown.
Tensions had been simmering for months between the rival factions, each staking claim to a disputed plot in Ranchi’s outskirts. Friday’s meeting was meant to be a showdown talk, but it devolved into chaos when one side allegedly drew first blood – or rather, first bullet.
Dramatic videos circulating on social media show armed men exchanging fire amidst fleeing crowds. ‘I hid behind my shop as bullets whizzed by,’ recounted a local shopkeeper. The three victims, all known associates of the gangs, sustained multiple injuries and are under treatment.
Ranchi police have registered an FIR under serious charges including attempt to murder and illegal arms possession. Raids are underway at the homes and hideouts of suspected shooters. ‘This is a calculated attack by land encroachers,’ said a police spokesperson.
Experts point to systemic failures in land administration as the root cause. Fraudulent mutations, missing records, and nexus between officials and criminals have made Jharkhand a hotspot for such violence. Recent state initiatives aim to digitize records, but implementation lags.
As night falls over Ranchi, extra patrols ensure calm prevails. The shootout serves as a grim reminder of the high stakes in illegal land dealings, where a patch of earth can spark a war. Investigations continue, with promises of no stone left unturned.