Probe into ‘sexual exploitation’ of Ranchi jail inmate intensifies

Ranchi: Separate investigations have been initiated by the Ranchi district administration, the management of Birsa Munda Central Jail and legal bodies into the alleged sexual exploitation of a woman inmate by a jail official.A district administration team led by additional district magistrate (law and order) Rajeshwar Nath Alok visited the jail on Tuesday and continued its probe till evening.Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said, “The committee is yet to submit its report. Preliminary information, however, says that the woman has repeatedly denied being sexually exploited. The administration would conduct further investigation and, if needed, the closed-circuit television camera footage would also be examined.”The matter has also drawn the attention of Lok Bhavan. In a statement, Lok Bhavan said governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar has taken a serious view of the alleged incident. Gangwar said laxities on the security of women and violations of human rights were unacceptable and stressed that strict action should be taken against the guilty persons to prevent recurrence of such crimes.The Governor expressed these views while meeting a delegation of Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha led by its leader Devendranath Mahto on Tuesday.Inspector General Sudarshan Mandal said the jail administration has started an internal inquiry as per procedure. He added that the truth would emerge only after reports from the various ongoing investigations are submitted. Sources said the jail administration has also sought court permission for a medical test of the woman.Separately, Jharkhand High Court judge and JHALSA Executive Chairman Justice SN Prasad directed the district legal services authority to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. A DLSA team led by Secretary Rakesh Roushan visited the jail on Monday and later submitted a detailed report.The DLSA said it would provide free legal aid to the victim and directed jail authorities to ensure her care. It also instructed the jail superintendent to place complaint boxes in every ward.