Ranchi Jail Abuse: Jharkhand High Court Demands Answers on Hotwar Inmate Exploitation Case

Ranchi (IANS): In view of allegations that the jail superintendent at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi, sexually exploited a woman inmate, the Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports and concerns that Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi raised.

A vacation bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava on Friday converted the matter into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for hearing. During the proceedings, the court made strong observations, noting that the official responsible for the safety and welfare of inmates himself faces grave allegations.

Calling the matter extremely sensitive, the bench stated that it would monitor the case. The High Court has directed all concerned parties to file their detailed reports within two weeks.

The court directed the state government and the Director General of Police (DGP) to file detailed replies. It has asked the DGP to submit a comprehensive report within two weeks and fixed June 8 for the next hearing date.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Babulal Marandi alleged that the jail superintendent sexually exploited the woman inmate, who became pregnant, and that individuals later attempted to terminate her pregnancy.

The court also expressed displeasure over reported efforts by the jail administration to suppress the matter.

Seeking clarity, the court asked the state government what concrete steps it had taken on the ground to verify the allegations.

During the hearing, the state informed the court that the Home Department has constituted a three-member high-level inquiry committee.

The panel includes Director (Administration) Manoj Kumar, Assistant Jail Inspector Tushar Ranjan Gupta, and Probation Officer Chandramoli Singh from the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services.

The Ranchi district administration and the Inspector General (Prisons) are also conducting separate inquiries.

The state further informed the court that, on the directions of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), a team from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ranchi, has already visited the jail. The team recorded statements from the victim, a para-legal volunteer, and the jail doctor, and has submitted its report.

Judicial Magistrate Shruti Soren is also conducting a judicial inquiry.