Ranchi: The alleged sexual exploitation of a woman inmate inside Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi’s Hotwar area, along with claims that she became pregnant during her incarceration, has now drawn the attention of the Jharkhand High Court. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the court has directed the state government and the Director General of Police (DGP) to submit a detailed response. The matter was heard on Friday by the vacation bench of the High Court.
A division bench comprising Justice Rangon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava termed the issue serious and sought a comprehensive report from the authorities. The court has fixed June 8 as the next date of hearing.
The case sparked widespread concern across the state after reports emerged alleging that a woman prisoner had been sexually exploited inside the jail and had become pregnant. The issue has also triggered sharp political reactions. BJP leader Babulal Marandi accused the jail administration, particularly the jail superintendent, of serious misconduct. He alleged that attempts were being made to destroy biological and forensic evidence by taking the victim outside the jail under the pretext of medical treatment. Questions have also been raised over the transfer of some key witnesses linked to the case.
Considering the gravity of the allegations, a team from the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) visited Hotwar Jail to conduct an inquiry. JHALSA Secretary Kumari Ranjana Asthana stated that a four-member team from the Ranchi District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) interacted with the victim, jail officials, and other inmates. According to the preliminary findings, the allegations appear serious at first glance.
Meanwhile, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the matter. The panel includes the ADM (Law and Order), the District Social Welfare Officer, and a woman doctor. The administration has assured that the inquiry report will be submitted soon.
With the High Court stepping in and taking suo motu cognisance, pressure has now increased on both the state government and the prison administration. All eyes are now on the next hearing scheduled for June 8.