Jharkhand High Court Steps In Over Hotwar Jail Abuse Allegations, Seeks Detailed Report from State

Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged sexual exploitation of a woman inmate at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi, after reports claimed that the inmate became pregnant while in custody. The matter came up for hearing before the vacation bench of the High Court on Friday.

A division bench of Justice Rangon Mukhopadhyay and Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava described the allegations as extremely serious and directed the state government and the Director General of Police (DGP) to file a detailed response on the entire incident. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for June 8.

The allegations have caused widespread outrage across Jharkhand and intensified political reactions. BJP leader Babulal Marandi accused the jail administration, especially the jail superintendent, of serious irregularities. He claimed that efforts were being made to tamper with biological and forensic evidence by taking the victim out of jail on the pretext of medical treatment. Concerns have also been raised over the transfer of certain key witnesses connected to the case.

In view of the seriousness of the matter, a team from the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) visited Hotwar Jail to conduct a preliminary inquiry. According to JHALSA Secretary Kumari Ranjana Asthana, a four-member team from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) questioned the victim, jail officials, and other inmates. Initial findings reportedly suggest that the allegations appear credible at first glance.

At the administrative level, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri has formed a three-member inquiry committee comprising the ADM (Law and Order), the District Social Welfare Officer, and a woman doctor. The committee has been asked to submit its report at the earliest.

With the High Court now directly monitoring the matter, accountability pressure on the state government and prison authorities has significantly increased. The upcoming hearing on June 8 is expected to be closely watched.