The brutal rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Kusumba village, Jharkhand, has shocked the state, leading to widespread outrage. The victim’s family delayed the last rites for three days, demanding swift justice and arrests before finally agreeing to the cremation on Friday evening.
The BJP issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Hemant Soren government in response to the incident. State BJP president Aditya Sahu and Hazaribagh MP Manish Jaiswal visited the bereaved family in Kusumba village.
If all the accused are not apprehended by Saturday, the BJP warned of a complete shutdown in Hazaribagh district on Monday. They also threatened a statewide agitation and a ‘Jharkhand Bandh’ if action is not taken.
The minor’s body was discovered near the village after a ‘Mangala procession’ on Tuesday evening. The girl had gone to watch the procession but did not return home, leading to a search that ended tragically with the discovery of her mutilated body.
According to preliminary investigations, the girl was raped before being murdered, sparking anger and protests in the district. BJP leaders criticized the administration for its handling of the case and questioned the state’s law and order situation.
Former minister Amar Bauri condemned the government for its insensitivity in the matter. Vishnugarh SDPO Baijnath Prasad mentioned that crucial evidence has been collected from the crime scene, and arrests are imminent pending the post-mortem report.
Tension remains high in the area, with the BJP threatening intensified protests if concrete action is not taken promptly. Law enforcement has increased its presence in the region to maintain order.
