The Dhurwa area of Ranchi witnessed a complete shutdown on Sunday as residents and traders united to pressure authorities in the search for two minors who have been missing since January 2. The bandh, called by the 'Ansh-Anshika Bachao Sangharsh Samiti', saw commercial centres across the locality remain closed in a powerful display of public concern.
Nationwide Search Intensifies
In a significant development, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has escalated the search to a pan-India level. Additional Director General of Police (CID) Manoj Kaushik confirmed that a notice was sent to all states and union territories on January 6, seeking any information related to the missing children. "I have sent the notice to all the directors general of police. Several states have responded," stated Kaushik. The states are expected to relay information to their local police stations, creating a nationwide dragnet.
Spontaneous Public Action in Dhurwa
The bandh received overwhelming support, bringing daily commerce to a halt. Key markets including JP Market, Sharma Market, Sector 2 market, and Sector 3 market remained shut for the day. Only medical stores were exempted and remained open. Bandh supporters also organized a rally to amplify their demand for the children's safe return.
Aman Kumar, a trader at JP Market, described the public sentiment: "The bandh was spontaneous. A few businessmen who had started operations in the morning downed their shutters after seeing others." This collective action underscored the community's growing anxiety over the case, which entered its tenth day on the day of the bandh.
Case Background and Political Reaction
The two children left their home on January 2 to purchase biscuits but never returned. Their parents reported the incident to the police the same day. Since then, the Ranchi police have formed multiple teams to trace the minors, but the lack of a breakthrough prompted the community-led protest.
The bandh also saw political involvement. RJD state spokesman Kailash Yadav claimed he was detained by police from 11 am to 5 pm during the protest. He issued a stern warning, stating, "The children are missing for the past 10 days. A Ranchi-wide bandh would be called if the administration does not ensure their safe return soon." This statement indicates that public pressure could escalate if the search does not yield results promptly.
The situation remains tense in Ranchi as authorities work on the nationwide CID alert while facing mounting pressure from a determined local community demanding answers and the safe recovery of the two missing minors.
