Ranchi bandh today over BJP leader Anil Tiger's murder; shooter held after encounter

BJP leader Anil Tiger Mahto. (File photo/X)

Jharkhand BJP leader and former Zila Parishad member Anil Tiger was shot dead in broad daylight in the Kanke area of Ranchi on Wednesday.

Anil Tiger Mahto was gunned down at a tea stall by two bike-born gunmen around 4 pm. Mahto was immediately taken to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hospital in Ranchi, where he was pronounced brought dead.

Following the incient, the BJP and the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) have called for a Ranchi bandh today over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

According to eyewitnesses, Tiger was sitting in Thakur Hotel at Kanke Chowk when two assailants on a motorcycle dropped in and shot him in the head. The sound of gunfire caused chaos as people fled the scene, according to media reports.

The police arrested the shooter shortly after the incident in an encounter. While the exact motive remains unclear, police suspect a land dispute could be the reason behind the killing. The accused is being interrogated to uncover further details.

"An accused in the murder of BJP leader Anil Tiger has been arrested. He has been shot in the thigh. After being identified, police teams started chasing him. On seeing the police team, he opened fire. In retaliation, the police shot him and arrested him. The investigation is ongoing," SSP Ranchi said, ANI reported.

The incident has triggered protests in the city, according to a report by The Indian Express. BJP leaders and workers held a protest and raised slogans against the state government over the murder of BJP leader.

They criticized Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren over the worsening law and order situation in the state.

(With inputs from ANI)