Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, August 29
The role of Dumka police in connection with the sensational murder of minor girl Ankita Singh has come under the scanner as the cops reportedly presented the victim as major that could dilute the prosecution.
In the incident that had shocked and fumed the people of Jharkhand, a youth identified as Shahrukh set Ankita Kumari Singh on fire after dousing with petrol. The accused had been forcing the girl to engage with him.
On Monday, police arrested Shalman Khan and Chhotu Khan in connection with a petrol attack on a minor girl student. However, the police came under sharp criticism for mentioning Ankita’s age 19. Former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi named a Muslim officer and said he was trying to protect the accused on religion grounds by diluting the case.
Ankita had complained to her parents against Shahrukh. On August 22 night also, she told her father that Shahrukh had threatened to finish her if she did not accept his offer for friendship. Father advised her to relax and promised he would take up the issue next morning with Sharukh parents.
However, at 5 am, Shahrukh Khan poured petrol on her through the window. In her dying declaration recorded by an executive magistrate at her hospital ward in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences at Ranchi, she claimed Shahrukh had sprayed petrol on her and set on fire. She sustained over 95 per cent burns. She remained in the hospital for five days but succumbed to burns on Sunday.
Her body was brought to Dumka amidst widespread protest and anger in the town. Activists of a right-wing organisation started demonstrations in different parts of the town and all shops and commercial establishments were immediately closed. As a precautionary measure, para military forces were deployed in the town and areas with Muslim population were fortified.
Meanwhile Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais talked to the parents of Ankita over telephone and expressed his grief over murder of their daughter. He announced ex-gratia of Rs two lakhs from his discretionary fund to the bereaved family.
Governor called the DG of police, Niraj Sinha and directed him to provide security to the girl ‘s family and ensure speedy trial of the culprits
Dumka, the summer capital of Jharkhand observed total bandh for the second consecutive day on Monday when Ankita was cremated in presence of a large number of police force. The funeral procession which started from her Jaruadih residence was escorted by deputy commissioner and SP of Dumka. Member of Lok Sabha Sunil Soren was also present at the cremation ground, where thousands of residents, including women were present.
Armed policemen were seen present on the route between the residence and crematorium. District authorities imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC, Superintendent of Police Ambker Lakra said. He added Shahrukh Khan, a jilted lover, had been chasing and harassing the 17-year-girl, a student of Government higher secondary school for the past few days. He used to chase her when she went to school or tuition classes.
Ms Loius Marandi, former minister and BJP leader from Dumka alleged that Ankita had complained against Shahrukh earlier but police did not act. She apprehended the minor girl as the target of Love Jihad. Charge was reiterated by the former Chief Minister Raghuwar Das, who also alleged the girl did not get protection since the accused were Muslims.
Hemant Soren was elected to the state assembly from Dumka in addition to Barhet constituency. He quit Dumka and in a by-election his younger brother Basant Soren was elected as JMM candidate. Das regretted neither CM nor his brother, local MLA visited Ankita’s family so far.
The Chief Minister on Monday announced an ex-gratia of Rs ten lakh to the family while paying homage to the victim by addressing “Ankita Bitiya”. He has asked the Director General of Police to get the case investigated by an additional director general of police and submit a report immediately.
The Chief Minister said Dumka district administration has been directed to request the district and sessions judge to hold speedy trial of the accused in Fast Track court.
District SP said Shahrukh Khan was supplied petrol by Chhotu Khan, who is also being interrogated.
