‘Don’t test people’s patience’: Babulal Marandi warns Jharkhand Govt over Chatra minor rape case
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Chatra, August 9: Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Sunday issued a strong warning to the state…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Chatra, August 9: Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Sunday issued a strong warning to the state government and police administration over the alleged rape of a Dalit minor girl in Chatra, saying they should not “test the patience of the common people” any further.
Marandi, who led a BJP delegation to Badgaon village under Tandwa police station, met the victim’s family and assured them of justice and all possible assistance. He also demanded a transparent investigation, immediate action against those responsible and accountability for the police personnel who allegedly failed to act on information about the incident.
Marandi questions police handling of rape case
Addressing hundreds of villagers after meeting the victim’s family, Marandi expressed serious concern over the alleged handling of the case by Tandwa police.
He alleged that instead of taking prompt action against those accused of the crime, the police detained the victim’s parents. Marandi demanded their immediate release and sought action against the police personnel responsible for the alleged lapse.
“The police administration and the government should not test the patience of the common people any further,” Marandi said, while questioning the deteriorating law and order situation in Jharkhand.
He alleged that the state police were being misused by the government and demanded that the authorities ensure that innocent people were not targeted while those responsible for the alleged crime were allowed to escape.
Girl allegedly confined for three days
According to Marandi, the accused allegedly confined the minor girl inside his house for three days and repeatedly raped her, allegedly in the presence of members of his family.
He alleged that the family members failed to intervene or inform the police despite having an opportunity to stop the alleged assault.
Marandi demanded that everyone found to have participated in, facilitated or deliberately concealed the crime should face legal action.
He also claimed that the alleged perpetrator had previously been jailed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and said the authorities must ensure that no habitual offender is allowed to escape punishment.
The allegations regarding the accused and the conduct of the police could not be independently verified.
‘BJP will stand with victim’s family’
Marandi said the BJP would continue to support the victim’s family in its fight for justice and would raise the matter at every appropriate forum, including the courts.
“BJP MPs and MLAs are here and the party will stand with the family from this point all the way to the courts,” he told the villagers.
He said the BJP would oppose incidents of sexual violence against women and girls anywhere in Jharkhand and would not remain silent if the administration failed to act against those responsible.
Demand for swift action and justice
Marandi called for swift and stringent legal action against the accused and demanded adequate protection and support for the minor and her family.
He also urged the authorities to ensure that the victim was safely reunited with her family and that her parents were released immediately.
The Leader of Opposition further appealed to society not to shield people accused of sexual offences, warning that attempts to protect such offenders could have wider consequences for social harmony.
BJP delegation visits Badgaon
The BJP delegation accompanying Marandi included State General Secretary Ganesh Mishra, MP Kali Charan Singh, MLA Pradeep Prasad, Ujwal Das, former MP Manoj Bhuiyan, former MLA Jayaprakash Bhokta, Kishun Das and Prabhat Bhuiyan.
The delegation assured the victim’s family of continued support and said the party would pursue the matter at every level to ensure justice.
