Ranchi jail sexual exploitation allegation sparks political row, complaint reaches Governor

Ranchi (IANS): Allegations that a jail official sexually exploited a woman inmate at the Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi’s Hotwar area have sparked a major political storm in Jharkhand. The controversy has now intensified as the matter reached the Governor.

The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) submitted a memorandum to Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Tuesday, seeking a high-level probe and strict action. Taking a serious view of the incident, Governor Gangwar stressed that authorities must punish the guilty, stating that security lapses regarding women and human rights violations are entirely unacceptable.

Meanwhile, legal bodies and the district administration have taken cognizance of the issue and launched separate inquiries.

The matter came to light three days ago when Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi wrote a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. In it, Marandi flagged the allegations and demanded an investigation into the suspected involvement of the Jail Superintendent and other officials.

The BJP labelled the issue extremely sensitive and demanded a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court judge. The opposition party is also seeking the immediate suspension of both the IG of Jails and the Jail Superintendent.

Following directions from Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) Executive Chairman Justice S.N. Prasad, a special team from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) visited the jail to record the inmate’s statement. The DLSA has already submitted a report, extended free legal aid to the inmate, and ordered the placement of complaint boxes in every ward.

Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri also formed a three-member administrative inquiry committee—led by the Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) and SDM-level officers—which has commenced its investigation. Bhajantri noted that while preliminary information indicates the woman has repeatedly denied the exploitation, investigators will review CCTV footage to uncover the truth.

Jail Superintendent Kumar Chandrashekhar categorically denied the allegations. He claimed the inmate suffers from a drug addiction and had previously threatened to level false charges after authorities denied her access to mobile phones and VIP facilities. The jail administration added that a medical examination supervised by a woman doctor found no evidence of pregnancy, though they have now approached the court to authorize further formal medical tests.

In its memorandum to the Governor, the JLKM delegation warned that if the investigations validate these allegations, the case will expose systemic failures in prison administration, security arrangements, and the safety of female inmates.