THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov 6: BJP State President and Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, has demanded a judicial probe into the alleged illegal facilities and luxury arrangements being provided to influential prisoners in Jharkhand jails. Marandi’s demand comes after a viral video from Ranchi’s Hotwar Central Jail showed liquor scam accused inmates enjoying lavish comforts in violation of jail norms.
Viral Video Exposes Luxury Inside Ranchi Jail
Reacting sharply to the video, Marandi said the footage was not from a liquor shop or dance bar, but from Ranchi’s Hotwar Central Jail, where corruption-accused leaders such as Lalu Prasad and Hemant Soren have been incarcerated.
He alleged that separate rules exist for influential prisoners who use their money and political connections to obtain all kinds of comforts behind bars. Special wards, Marandi claimed, have been constructed for these VIP inmates, where an “entry fee” and monthly expenses are charged to maintain their luxurious lifestyle.
Allegations of Nexus Between Jail Officials and VIP Prisoners
The BJP leader accused some high-profile prisoners, under the protection of the Hemant Soren government, of running a complete system of luxury and indulgence inside Jharkhand jails. He alleged that this was made possible through the connivance of jail officials and staff, who allow activities violating the Jail Manual in exchange for money.
Marandi said that despite several warnings to the government about these illegal practices, no action was taken. Instead, an officer named Robert Nishant Besra, who tried to stop such activities and refused to provide “special hospitality” to VIP inmates, was transferred.
Suspension and Reinstatement Raise Questions
Referring to the recent viral video incident, Marandi said that the suspension of two employees was done merely as a formality. He expressed surprise over the reinstatement of Dinesh Verma, a jailer who was suspended just twenty days earlier from Hazaribagh Jail for granting undue facilities to prisoner Vinay Singh. Verma, he said, has now been appointed in charge of Birsa Munda Jail, which Marandi described as a “reward posting.”
Marandi questioned the role of the Jail Inspector General (IG), asking what “magic wand” allowed such quick reinstatement. He asserted that these activities cannot take place without the permission or involvement of senior officers and held the Jail IG directly responsible.
Call for High Court Investigation
Babulal Marandi alleged that a high-profile prisoner involved in the liquor scam, whose dance video from jail went viral, was granted bail due to deliberate delay in filing the charge sheet by the former DGP of ACB and CID. Notably, the current Jail IG also holds the charge of CID IG, raising further suspicion of a coordinated network.
Marandi urged the Jharkhand High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the issue and order a judicial inquiry led by a sitting judge into the “dirty games” inside state jails and the role of senior officials. He said only a court-monitored probe can expose the truth and restore public faith in the system.
