The Jharkhand High Court has taken a serious view of allegations of sexual exploitation of a woman inmate by the jail superintendent at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi. Responding to concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi, the court converted the matter into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for hearing. The court emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the official responsible for inmate safety faces serious allegations.
The court, considering the matter extremely sensitive, announced that it would oversee the case closely. It instructed the state government and the Director General of Police (DGP) to provide detailed responses. The DGP was given a two-week deadline to submit a comprehensive report, with the next hearing scheduled for June 8.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Babulal Marandi alleged that the woman inmate was sexually exploited, leading to pregnancy, and subsequent attempts to terminate it. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with reported attempts to suppress the issue within the jail administration. Seeking clarity, the court questioned the state government on the concrete actions taken to investigate the allegations.
The state informed the court that a three-member high-level inquiry committee, comprising officials from the Home Department, has been formed. Separate investigations are being carried out by the Ranchi district administration and the Inspector General (Prisons). Additionally, a team from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ranchi, visited the jail to gather statements from the victim, a para-legal volunteer, and the jail doctor. A judicial inquiry is also in progress before Judicial Magistrate Shruti Soren. The High Court has mandated all parties involved to submit detailed reports within two weeks.
