Jharkhand: Tribal woman alleges assault by police in Latehar, CM orders probe

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday ordered an inquiry into allegations by a tribal woman that police personnel in Latehar district assaulted and misbehaved with her while questioning her over suspected involvement in the opium trade and poppy cultivation.

Puniya Devi, a resident of Melam Tola Malhan in Salaiya panchayat under Herhanj block, accused Bariyatu police station in-charge Prabhat Kumar Das and other policemen of assault and misconduct, a senior officer said.

The woman alleged that on October 5, while she was grazing goats near Bagnahi Mahua, Das and other policemen took her to the police station over her suspected involvement in the opium trade and poppy cultivation, he said.

She further alleged that the policemen tied her legs, hung her up and beat her with sticks before releasing her on the night of October 6.

She also claimed that the officers pressured her to record a video statement admitting her involvement in poppy cultivation, the officer said.

In a post on X on Friday, Soren directed the Latehar police to take immediate cognisance of the allegations, conduct an inquiry and report back after taking appropriate action.

"Take immediate cognizance, investigate, and inform after taking appropriate action," the chief minister said.

"The victim, along with villagers, had submitted an application against the officer in-charge and other policemen on Thursday. We have initiated a detailed inquiry into the matter," Latehar SP Kumar Gaurav told reporters.

Meanwhile, Das denied the allegations, describing them as false.

He said police had received information about the woman’s alleged involvement in the opium trade and poppy cultivation, following which the matter was investigated.

"The allegations of assault and others are baseless," Das said.