Outrage Over Rape and Murder of 12-Year-Old in Jharkhand

BJP Threatens Protest

Hazaribagh, March 27 (IANS) — The rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Kusumba village has sent shockwaves across Jharkhand, triggering widespread outrage.

After demanding swift justice and arrests for three days, the victim’s family finally agreed to perform the cremation on Friday evening.

BJP Issues Ultimatum

The BJP issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Hemant Soren government following the tragedy. State BJP president Aditya Sahu and Hazaribagh MP Manish Jaiswal visited the bereaved family in Kusumba village to offer support.

The leaders warned the government of the following consequences:

• District Shutdown: If police do not arrest all accused by Saturday, the BJP will enforce a complete shutdown across Hazaribagh district on Monday.

• Statewide Agitation: Failure to act will lead to a “Jharkhand Bandh” and statewide protests.

Sequence of Events

Locals reported that the girl went to watch a “Mangala procession” for Ram Navami on Tuesday evening. When she failed to return by 8 p.m., her family launched a search.

1. Tuesday Night: Family and neighbors searched the village and surrounding areas but found no trace of the girl.

2. Wednesday: Searchers discovered her mutilated body in a thicket near the village.

3. Preliminary Findings: Investigators believe the perpetrators raped the girl before murdering her.

Criticism of Administration

During their visit, BJP leaders slammed the administration’s handling of the case. They questioned the state’s law and order, alleging that neither the Deputy Commissioner nor the Superintendent of Police visited the family.

BJP leaders further claimed:

• Police have failed to make any arrests despite 72 hours passing since the crime.

• Senior officials are merely “going through the motions.”

• Former minister Amar Bauri labeled the administration’s response as “insensitive.”

Police Response

Vishnugarh SDPO Baijnath Prasad confirmed that a forensic team and dog squad have collected crucial evidence from the crime scene. He expects the post-mortem report to provide further clarity and claims that police are closing in on the culprits.

“We have assured the family of their security and expect to make arrests soon,” Prasad stated.

Despite these assurances, tension remains high. The BJP maintains that it will intensify the agitation with sit-in protests at district headquarters if the police do not produce results within 24 hours. A heavy police presence currently monitors the region to maintain order.