Judiciary – Jharkhand High Court Orders Detailed Probe Into Jail Assault Allegations
Judiciary – The Jharkhand High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings over serious allegations involving the sexual assault of a woman inmate inside Birsa Munda Central Jail. The court converted the issue into a public interest litigation after taking note of reports published in local media.
The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Rangon Mukhopadhyaya and Justice Pradip Kumar Srivastava. During the proceedings, the bench directed the Director General of Police and the Jharkhand government to submit detailed affidavits within two weeks. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for June 8.
Court Seeks Accountability From State Authorities
Advocate Dheeraj Kumar informed reporters that the court acted after reviewing media coverage related to the alleged exploitation of a female prisoner inside the Ranchi-based jail. According to him, the judges have demanded complete information from senior police officials and the state administration regarding the incident and subsequent actions taken.
The allegations have triggered concern over prison management and inmate safety within the state’s correctional facilities. The High Court’s intervention is being viewed as an important step toward ensuring an independent review of the case.
State Government Forms Inquiry Committee
During the hearing, the state government informed the bench that the Home Department had already established a three-member investigation panel. The committee includes Director (Administration) Manoj Kumar, Assistant Inspector of Prisons Tushar Ranjan Gupta, and Probation Officer Chandramouli Singh from the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services.
Officials stated that the committee has been assigned to examine all aspects of the allegations and submit its findings to the government. Authorities have not yet disclosed a timeline for the completion of the inquiry.
Judicial Inquiry Underway In Ranchi
Apart from the government-led probe, a separate judicial inquiry has also been initiated. Judicial Magistrate Shruti Soren of Ranchi is conducting the investigation based on a preliminary report submitted by a team from the District Legal Services Authority.
The inquiry gained momentum after Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi wrote to Chief Minister Hemant Soren alleging that a woman inmate had been sexually exploited by the jail superintendent. In his letter, Marandi further claimed that the alleged assault resulted in pregnancy and accused certain prison officials of attempting to conceal the matter.
He described the allegations as evidence of severe administrative failure within the prison system and raised questions over the functioning of law enforcement authorities.
Legal Services Authorities Step In
The seriousness of the allegations also prompted action from the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority. Justice S N Prasad, Executive Chairman of JHALSA, directed the organisation’s secretary to ensure that the investigation remains fair and is completed without unnecessary delay.
Following these directions, a high-level team led by officials from the Ranchi District Legal Services Authority visited Birsa Munda Central Jail to interact with prison authorities and assess the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
The inquiry team also instructed jail officials to provide proper security, healthcare, and necessary support to the woman inmate concerned. Authorities were specifically directed to ensure that she does not face any mental pressure or physical intimidation during the ongoing investigation.
Preliminary Findings Raise Concerns
JHALSA Secretary Kumari Ranjana Asthana stated that the initial assessment suggested that the allegations appeared to have some basis. However, she clarified that a final conclusion would only be reached after a complete review of the inquiry report by the executive chairperson.
Meanwhile, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri has also established another three-member committee to independently examine the accusations made against the jail superintendent.
The incident has now become a major political issue in Jharkhand, with the Bharatiya Janata Party demanding a judicial probe into the matter. Opposition leaders have called for strict action against those found responsible and greater transparency in prison administration.