Victimized Woman Receives Legal Aid”: Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad Takes Cognizance of Pregnant Inmate Case at Birsa Munda Jail
Ranchi: The Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) has adopted a strict stance regarding the case of a female inmate becoming pregnant at the Birsa Munda Central Jail, Hotwar. Taking cognizance of reports published in various newspapers, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad directed the District Legal Services Authority, Ranchi (DLSA), to investigate the matter, submit a report, and provide immediate legal assistance to the victimized woman.
A special investigation team was constituted under the supervision of JHALSA Member Secretary Ranjana Asthana and under the leadership of Judicial Commissioner Anil Kumar Mishra-I. The team included the Chief Judicial Magistrate, the DLSA Secretary, the Chief of the Women's Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC), and other female LADC members. The investigation team visited the Birsa Munda Central Jail, Hotwar, and conducted a thorough inquiry into the entire matter.
During the inspection, the team observed that complaint boxes were not available in any of the jail wards. Consequently, the Jail Superintendent was directed to install complaint boxes in all wards within two days. The team also recorded the statements of the victimized woman, the Jail Para-Legal Volunteer (PLV), and the Jail Medical Officer, and inspected all the wards.
Following the investigation, a detailed report has been prepared and will be submitted tomorrow to JHALSA. The DLSA Secretary stated that a free legal counsel from the panel has been provided to the victimized woman. Furthermore, the jail administration has been directed to ensure the proper care and safety of the female inmate.
