A major political and administrative controversy has erupted in Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi, Jharkhand, after allegations surfaced that a woman inmate was sexually exploited inside the prison premises. The matter intensified further following claims that the inmate had become pregnant, prompting demands for a judicial probe and drawing the attention of the Governor’s office.
According to sources, a preliminary inquiry conducted by a committee constituted under the directions of Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) has reportedly confirmed instances of sexual exploitation. The inmate is also said to have revealed details of alleged misconduct and abuse taking place inside the jail during her interaction with the inquiry panel.
The inquiry was initiated after Jharkhand High Court’s Justice S.N. Prasad took suo motu cognisance of the matter and ordered an investigation.
Following the directive, JHALSA Secretary Kumari Ranjana was asked to oversee the probe and submit a report. A committee headed by the Ranchi DLSA Secretary later visited the Hotwar jail premises, where the woman inmate’s statement was recorded in a closed-door session.
Sources claim that the inmate accused the jail superintendent and jailer of misusing their positions and subjecting her to sexual exploitation. Her testimony has reportedly placed the prison administration under serious scrutiny.
The inquiry report is expected to be submitted to JHALSA in a sealed envelope for further action.
The controversy escalated after Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi alleged that the inmate had become pregnant. Marandi wrote to Chief Minister Hemant Soren demanding a judicial investigation and strict action against those responsible.
He termed the allegations extremely serious, particularly as they concern the safety of women inside a high-security prison facility.
Several political and social organisations have also demanded an independent judicial inquiry. Sources said complaints regarding the matter have now reached the Governor, with calls for a fair and impartial investigation growing louder.
Meanwhile, the jail administration has denied the pregnancy allegations. Officials stated that the inmate underwent a medical examination, and the pregnancy report came back negative.
However, opposition leaders and social activists have questioned the credibility of the medical findings, alleging an attempt to suppress the matter.
With reports now suggesting that the JHALSA inquiry has prima facie confirmed sexual exploitation, attention has shifted to the state administration and the action it may take against those accused.
If the allegations are substantiated in the final report, the case could raise serious concerns over prison management and the safety of inmates in Jharkhand.
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