BJP mounts twin offensive against Hemant govt over sexual abuse charges against Congress MLA, Hotwar jail officials
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, November 13: The BJP on Friday launched a two-pronged attack on the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government, demanding…
BJP Gheraoes Dhurwa Police Station, Demands Arrest of Congress MLA Bhushan Bara Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of aMinor Tribal Girl.
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, November 13: The BJP on Friday launched a two-pronged attack on the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government, demanding the immediate arrest of Congress MLA Bhushan Bara over allegations of sexual exploitation and rape of a 14-year-old tribal girl, while seeking a CBI probe into alleged repeated gang sexual violence and torture of a 20-year-old former undertrial prisoner at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi.
The party also demanded security for the minor girl and her family, suspension of senior jail officials, and accountability for alleged lapses in the prison administration.
BJP protests against Bhushan Bara, demands immediate arrest
The BJP Ranchi Mahanagar unit announced a gherao of Dhurwa police station at 4 pm on Friday, demanding the arrest of the Simdega Congress legislator over allegations of sexual abuse, rape and abortion involving a minor tribal girl.
BJP state president Aditya Sahu described the allegations as deeply disturbing and demanded the MLA’s immediate arrest and an impartial investigation.
Sahu alleged that the girl had been lured with promises of education and a better future. He said the victim had also accused members of the MLA’s family of assault, verbal abuse and physical and mental harassment.
Raising concerns about the girl’s safety, Sahu said she was apprehensive because of the influence of the accused and had expressed fear for her life. He demanded immediate security for the victim and her family, along with strict legal action against everyone found involved.
Sahu questions Congress leadership and Hemant Soren
Sahu questioned the silence of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi over the allegations against their party legislator. He asked what action the Congress leadership proposed to take in the matter.
He also questioned Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, asking whether the coalition government would remain silent to protect a political ally or ensure an impartial investigation and justice for the victim.
Sahu warned that the BJP would launch a statewide agitation if the MLA was not arrested and the victim was not provided adequate protection. He said the party would intensify its campaign from the streets to the Assembly.
Marandi seeks CBI probe into alleged sexual violence at Hotwar jail
In a separate development, Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi demanded a CBI investigation into allegations that a 20-year-old former undertrial prisoner was subjected to gang sexual violence on three occasions inside Birsa Munda Central Jail at Hotwar.
According to the allegations cited by Marandi, the victim was sexually assaulted during Mahashivratri, Ram Navami and Sarhul. He was also allegedly forced to consume intoxicating substances and physically tortured.
Marandi described the allegations as extremely serious, saying that incidents of this nature inside a prison raised grave questions about the functioning and accountability of the jail administration.
He said the FIR also contained allegations that a written complaint submitted by the victim was torn up by a ward in-charge, that medical treatment was denied despite bleeding injuries, and that no medical examination was conducted at the time of the prisoner’s release.
An FIR was registered at Khelgaon police station on November 12, 2026, on the complaint of the victim’s father. The case has been registered as Case No. 0066/2026. According to Marandi, the FIR names 19 accused, including the jail superintendent, ward in-charge and a medical officer.
Questions eight-day delay in FIR registration
Marandi questioned why the FIR was registered on November 12 when, according to its contents, police had received information about the incident on November 4.
He also called for an independent legal review of the sections invoked in the case, considering the seriousness of the allegations.
The Leader of Opposition pointed out that Hotwar jail had faced allegations of serious misconduct earlier as well. He referred to a case reported in May 2026 involving the alleged sexual exploitation and pregnancy of a woman inmate.
Marandi said the Jharkhand High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of that matter after he raised it. He also referred to the High Court’s June 8, 2026, order, claiming that the court had expressed serious dissatisfaction with the inquiry report submitted by the Jail Inspector General and the functioning of the state’s investigative machinery.
He further cited earlier allegations involving special facilities for influential prisoners and other irregularities at the prison.
Marandi demands suspension of Jail IG, transfer of accused inmates
Holding the senior prison administration accountable, Marandi demanded that Jail Inspector General Sudarshan Prasad Mandal be removed from his post and suspended.
He sought a comprehensive CBI investigation into the present case, the May 2026 case involving a woman inmate and other serious incidents reported at Hotwar jail.
His demands also include the suspension of all officials allegedly connected with the matter and the transfer of accused inmates to other prisons to prevent any possible influence on the victim, witnesses or evidence.
Marandi called for the immediate preservation of CCTV footage, duty registers, medical records and complaint-related documents. He also demanded adequate security for the victim and his family.
In addition, he sought an independent inquiry into the Jail IG’s declared and actual assets, possible investments in different states, financial transactions and allegations of assets disproportionate to known sources of income. He also called for an evidence-based investigation into any possible role of the CID in collusion or extending protection to those involved.
BJP warns of statewide agitation
Addressing Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Marandi questioned why the government would resist a CBI investigation when the High Court had previously raised concerns about the state’s investigative process.
He said that although a prisoner’s freedom could be restricted, their constitutional rights to dignity, safety and justice remained intact.
Marandi argued that accountability should not be confined to junior employees while senior officials escaped scrutiny. He demanded an impartial investigation and strict legal action against everyone found responsible.
With the two cases, the BJP has intensified its confrontation with the state government, questioning its response to allegations involving a ruling coalition legislator and the administration of a central prison.
