Alleged Rape by Police Officers Leads to New Hearing in Jharkhand High Court

A high‑profile case involving alleged sexual assault by police officers has drawn the attention of the Jharkhand High Court. The bench, consisting of Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Akhil Kumar, asked the state to explain why a woman, already acquitted of all criminal charges, remained in custody at Hajari Bag detention centre.

The sealed report submitted by the district legal service authority recounted the woman's allegation that Constable Ranjit Mahato and three other policemen raped her. The petition, initiated by social worker Apoorva Vivek, challenges the continued detention.

Counsel for the woman, Ujjaini Chatterjee, reminded the court that the woman had already served a three‑year sentence under the Foreigners Act and had been cleared of the original criminal case. The judges questioned the legal justification for extending her confinement beyond the completion of her sentence.

Citing Article 21 of the Constitution, the bench stressed that personal liberty may not be deprived without a lawful basis. Previously, the court had directed the legal service authority to record the woman's statement.

The police superintendent of Hajari Bag joined via video link, assuring the court of a prompt investigation into the accused constable and of necessary security for the complainant. The court scheduled a further hearing for 2:15 pm to review the state's answer and the sealed investigative report.