THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 30: The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Kosumbha village under the Bishnugarh block of Hazaribagh district, even as the incident has triggered sharp political reactions across the state.
A division bench led by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad issued notices to the Director General of Police (DGP), the Home Secretary, and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Hazaribagh, directing them to file their responses. The matter has been referred to the Chief Justice for further hearing.
The issue was brought before the court by advocate Hemant Shikarwar, who submitted newspaper reports on the incident. He also informed the court that he had written to the DGP and SP seeking security for the victim’s family and urging that the investigation be conducted using scientific methods.
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Political Reaction and Bandh Call
The incident has also sparked a strong political response. BJP State President Aditya Sahu criticised the law-and-order situation in Jharkhand, alleging that governance in the state has weakened and criminal activities have increased.
Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Sahu claimed that the minor was abducted during a ‘Mangalwari’ procession in Kushambo village under Barkatha block of Hazaribagh district and was later subjected to extreme brutality.
Describing the incident as “deeply disturbing and shameful,” he announced a statewide ‘Jharkhand Bandh’ on April 3 in protest.