THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 21: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren demanding a high-level independent inquiry into alleged sexual exploitation of women by prison officials in Jharkhand and accused the government of shielding the guilty.
In his letter, Marandi alleged a “criminal nexus” operating within the state’s prison system and called for the immediate suspension and arrest of the accused officials.
The BJP leader referred to earlier allegations against Birsa Munda Central Jail Superintendent Kumar Chandrashekhar and claimed that fresh accusations had now surfaced against Jailer Lavkush Kumar.
Marandi alleges cover-up by administration
“Rather than taking swift action to punish the culprits, your government and administration shamelessly marshaled their entire administrative might to cover up the matter,” Marandi alleged in the letter addressed to the chief minister.
He claimed that prison officials abused their authority to exploit women inmates and staff members and accused the administration of suppressing complaints.
Marandi further alleged that a female Home Guard was exploited by the jailer and that her family faced intimidation and threats when they protested.
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“This is not merely an administrative failure; it stands as the most compelling evidence of the profound moral decay that has afflicted your entire government and system,” the BJP leader wrote.
Allegations against jail officials
The letter claimed that during his tenure in Chatra Jail, Jailer Lavkush Kumar allegedly misused his position and manipulated internal mechanisms meant for women’s safety.
Marandi also alleged that prison authorities attempted to suppress complaints related to workplace harassment to maintain a “zero complaints” record.
He further accused Superintendent Kumar Chandrashekhar of advising the victim’s husband to “tolerate” the alleged exploitation in exchange for a bribe.
Calling the matter an “organised criminal enterprise involving sexual exploitation, intimidation, coercion and corruption,” Marandi demanded immediate suspension of the accused officials and a court-monitored or independent investigation.
CM urged to act
“If you retain even a shred of moral responsibility or public propriety, these tainted officials must be suspended with immediate effect,” Marandi said in the letter.
He also claimed that more documents and evidence related to the allegations would be submitted separately.
The Jharkhand government has not yet officially responded to the allegations made in the letter.