19 Booked After Man Alleges Son Was Sexually Assaulted, Drugged Inside Ranchi Jail

Police have registered a case against 19 people, including officials of Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi, following allegations that a 20-year-old undertrial prisoner was sexually assaulted and forced to consume narcotics while lodged in the prison.

The complaint was filed by the victim's father, a resident of the Ratu police station area, who alleged that his son was subjected to repeated sexual abuse by groups of undertrial prisoners during his stay in the jail. The alleged incidents took place while the youth was facing a criminal case, in which he was subsequently acquitted of all charges on June 12.

According to the complaint, the victim was allegedly sodomised on three occasions and forced to consume narcotic substances by other inmates. The father also accused jail authorities of failing to provide medical assistance to his son despite being informed about the alleged abuse.

He further alleged that when his son submitted a written complaint about the incidents inside the prison, it was torn up, preventing him from formally reporting the matter.

A police official said the victim remained under severe mental trauma after his release and eventually narrated the alleged ordeal to his family.

"An FIR was lodged at the Khelgaon police station on Thursday based on the complaint. An investigation has been initiated into the case," Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Besra told PTI.

The FIR names 19 individuals, including personnel associated with the Birsa Munda Central Jail. Police have initiated an investigation to examine the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents.

The case has raised serious questions about prisoner safety, alleged abuse inside correctional facilities and the responsibility of jail authorities to ensure the security and well-being of inmates, particularly those awaiting trial.

However, the allegations are yet to be independently established, and further details are awaited as the police investigation progresses.