Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court heard a suo motu case regarding the alleged sexual exploitation and pregnancy of a woman prisoner at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi, directing the state government to submit the Medical Board report of the victim and also seeking the judicial inquiry report from the Judicial Commissioner, Ranchi. The next hearing is scheduled for June 17.
Court Expresses Displeasure Over DGP and IG Prison Affidavits
The bench of Chief Justice MS Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar expressed strong dissatisfaction with the affidavits submitted by the DGP and IG Prison, observing that their responses appeared to be merely an attempt to delay the matter. The court questioned why the Medical Board report had not yet been submitted and orally remarked that the DGP cannot escape responsibility by attributing the matter to the IG Prison. The court also questioned why the victim was granted bail immediately after the case came to its notice.
Multiple Inquiries Underway
The state government had previously informed the court that the Home Department had constituted a three-member inquiry committee comprising Director Administration Manoj Kumar, Assistant Jail Inspector Tushar Ranjan Gupta, and Probation Officer Chandramoli Singh. Separately, a judicial inquiry is being conducted by Judicial Magistrate Ranchi Shruti Soren in light of a DALSA Ranchi investigation team’s findings.
How the Case Came to Light
The matter came to public attention following statements by Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and media reports. The Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority subsequently constituted an inquiry team, which visited the jail and recorded statements of the victim, jail PLV, and jail doctor. The report was submitted to JHALSAA, while separate inquiries were also conducted by the Ranchi District Administration and the Jail IG.
