Leader of Opposition targets Hemant Soren government over alleged gang sexual assault in Hotwar Jail, rape allegations against Congress MLA and custodial deaths across the state
Ranchi, November 14, 2026: Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly and senior BJP leader Babulal Marandi launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren government over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
Referring to the alleged gang sexual assault of a 20-year-old undertrial prisoner at Hotwar Jail, rape and forced abortion allegations against Simdega Congress MLA Bhushan Bara involving a minor girl, and the alleged rape of a woman who had approached Gamharia Police Station seeking justice, Marandi questioned the government's commitment to public safety.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, Marandi said that neither jails, nor police stations, nor even the residences of elected representatives appeared to be safe in Jharkhand.
"What has happened to Jharkhand? How have conditions deteriorated to such an extent that ordinary citizens no longer feel safe?" he asked.
Undertrial Prisoners Not Safe Even Inside Jail
Expressing serious concern over the alleged sexual assault at Hotwar Jail, Marandi said that prisons are expected to be among the safest places, but incidents of this nature raise serious questions about prison administration.
He alleged that a 20-year-old prisoner was subjected to gang sexual violence on occasions including Mahashivratri, Ram Navami and Sarhul. He further claimed that the victim's written complaint was torn up and proper medical treatment was not provided.
Marandi demanded the immediate removal of responsible jail officials, an impartial investigation and the transfer of the accused prisoners to another jail to ensure that the investigation remains unaffected.
Justice Demanded for Minor in Allegations Against Congress MLA
Raising the allegations against Simdega Congress MLA Bhushan Bara, Marandi demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged rape, forced abortion and harassment of a minor girl.
He said that he had personally met the victim, who narrated her ordeal. He also alleged that the MLA's wife and sister had physically assaulted the girl.
Marandi demanded adequate protection for the victim and a thorough investigation into the roles of the MLA, his family members and others allegedly involved in bringing the girl to the MLA's residence for work.
He also questioned the registration of a case against a journalist instead of taking prompt action on the allegations against the MLA.
427 Custodial Deaths, No Judicial Inquiry in 262 Cases
Raising concerns over deaths in police and judicial custody, Marandi referred to a report submitted by the state government before the Jharkhand High Court.
According to the figures cited by him, 427 people had died in police and judicial custody in the state up to 2026. Of these, 262 cases had not undergone judicial inquiries and were instead investigated by executive magistrates.
He said that on May 14, 2026, the Jharkhand High Court had expressed serious displeasure and directed fresh investigations into all 262 cases within six months.
Marandi questioned the government over the progress of these investigations and demanded details of action taken against those responsible.
Allegations of Police Brutality and Custodial Deaths
Marandi also referred to several alleged incidents of police brutality, including the alleged torture and sexual harassment of an Adivasi woman at Bariyatu Police Station in Latehar district.
He further mentioned the alleged assault of an Adivasi girl at Kapali Police Outpost in Seraikela, the custodial death of Mahfooz Ahmed in Palamu and a death during questioning at Palajori Police Station in Deoghar.
He said that merely suspending police personnel was not sufficient in cases involving serious allegations. FIRs must be registered and those found responsible must be arrested to establish accountability within the police administration.
Government Must Ensure Accountability
Concluding his remarks, Marandi said that maintaining law and order is the primary responsibility of any government. However, repeated incidents across Jharkhand have raised serious concerns about the safety of ordinary citizens. He demanded transparent investigations, accountability of officials and strict action against those found guilty.
On the occasion, Marandi also extended Chhath Puja greetings to all devotees observing the festival and the people of Jharkhand. BJP State Spokesperson Mrityunjay Sharma and Media Co-Incharge Satish Sinha were also present at the press conference.
