In Jharkhand, even jails are not safe: Babulal Marandi

The Leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly Babulal Marandi on Saturday (November 14, 2026), cornered the State Government over a series of criminal incidents.

He cited the incidents of including the sexual assault of a youth in Hotwar Jail, the alleged rape of a minor girl by a Congress MLA from Simdega, and the alleged rape of a woman who had gone to the Gamharia police station seeking justice.

Fifteen police officers were suspended in connection with the alleged rape of a 20-year-old woman on the premises of the Gamharia police station in Jharkhand, Saraikela-Kharsawan district, on November 1, 2026.

Launching a sharp attack on Sorens’ government, Mr. Marandi said law and order in Jharkhand has collapsed and it raises serious questions on the functioning of the government.

Addressing a press conference at the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Ranchi, Mr. Marandi said that such incidents are continuously coming to light, and they are deeply disturbing.

“Today, in Jharkhand, neither jails nor police stations nor the residences of legislators are safe. What has happened to Jharkhand? How have conditions in the state deteriorated to such an extent that ordinary citizens no longer feel safe anywhere?” Mr. Marandi said.

‘Prisoners are not safe even in jail’

Expressing concern over the incident at Hotwar Jail, Mr. Marandi asserted that while a jail is considered the most secure place, even there, prisoners are not safe.

A man has recently filed a police complaint against 19 people, including Birsa Munda Central Jail officials, alleging severe abuse of his 20-year-old son inside the jail.

The father had accused jail inmates and staff of sexual assault of his son and forced him to consume narcotics while he stayed there as an undertrial prisoner.

“A 20-year-old youth was allegedly subjected to gang sexual assault. This incident is truly chilling. When the victim filed a written complaint, it was torn, and he was not even provided with proper medical treatment,” Mr. Marandi said.

He added that he had previously written to the government regarding incidents involving women at Hotwar Jail as well. Mr. Marandi further mentioned that even the court took cognisance of the matter, but instead of taking action and ensuring accountability, the government attempted to cover it up.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader demanded the immediate removal of all responsible jail officials and the transfer of the accused inmates to another prison.

Reacting to the allegations against a Congress MLA, Bhushan Bara from Simdega, Mr. Marandi said that since the case involves an MLA from the Congress party, which is part of the ruling coalition, the government is under pressure.

Mr. Marandi mentioned that he had met with the victim, who shared her ordeal with him. He alleged that the MLA’s wife and sister also physically assaulted the girl. Mr. Marandi demanded an impartial investigation and strict action against those found guilty.

Hours after an FIR was registered against Mr. Bara on the charge of raping his minor domestic help, police said on Saturday (November 14, 2026) that they booked two persons for allegedly abducting and coercing the girl into making a “false” statement against the legislator.

427 deaths in police custody

Raising the issue of deaths occurring in police and judicial custody, Mr. Marandi said that, according to a report submitted by the state government to the Jharkhand High Court, 427 individuals died in police or judicial custody by 2026.

“Notably, 262 of these cases were not subjected to a judicial inquiry; instead, they were investigated by an executive magistrate. On May 14, 2026, the High Court had expressed deep displeasure and had directed that 262 cases be investigated afresh within six months,” Mr. Marandi said.

He added that despite the expiry of the deadline, no clear information regarding the progress of these investigations has emerged.