Massive protests in Jamshedpur over Karni Sena leader's murder; NH-33 blocked

Vinay Singh

Massive protests were staged by the members of the Kshatriya Karni Sena in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand after the organisation’s state president, Vinay Singh was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Baliguma area under the MGM Police Station late on Sunday night.

The protesters, who gathered late Sunday night, blocked National Highway-33 near Dimna Chowk, a key route connecting Jamshedpur to Kolkata and Odisha.

They set fires and raised slogans against the police, accusing them of negligence and demanding immediate justice. The Karni Sena has issued a 12-hour ultimatum to the authorities, threatening to intensify protests across Jamshedpur if arrests are not made promptly.

According to the police, the incident occurred near Mini Punjab Dhaba on National Highway-33 K. The deceased was returning with a few others from Mango Baliguma when he was ambushed by armed assailants. As he entered a secluded lane near the dhaba, the attackers opened fire, fatally injuring him. He reportedly attempted to retaliate with his licensed pistol, but succumbed to bullet wounds before he could act.

"Vinay Singh had left home in the morning. His family reported him missing. This evening, his body was found in a field nearby. A country-made pistol was found in his left hand, and his motorcycle was also recovered. The rest is a matter of investigation," said DSP Bachan Deo Kujur.

The initial investigation suggests that the attack was planned. Singh was shot in the head, and drag marks were visible on his body. His pistol was found in his right hand, and a scooter, along with several water bottles, was found nearby, raising suspicions that the crime scene may have been staged to resemble a suicide.

Police have launched a detailed investigation and said all possible angles are being examined.