New Delhi/Ranchi, March 30 (NationPress) The BJP has intensified its criticism of the Hemant Soren-led government in Jharkhand regarding the horrific rape and murder of a young girl in the Bishnugarh area of Hazaribagh district.

During a press briefing in Delhi, BJP Jharkhand State President and MP Aditya Sahu declared that the party intends to implement a complete bandh across the state on April 3 if the perpetrators of the crime, which the BJP has labeled the ‘Hazaribagh Nirbhaya incident,’ are not apprehended within the next 48 hours.

On the eve of the bandh, he mentioned that BJP supporters will conduct torchlight rallies in every district and block headquarters in Jharkhand on April 2 to express their discontent.

Sahu contended that the rule of law in the state has completely crumbled and claimed that a criminal parallel structure is functioning under the current administration.

Commenting on the Bishnugarh incident, he described it as a “rarest of the rare” crime and criticized the Chief Minister for his silence, even days after the tragedy.

“The heinous nature of the crime—gouging out the girl’s eyes, shattering her teeth, and severing her tongue—demonstrates the extreme depravity of criminal behavior. Despite this, the Chief Minister has remained silent even after six days, showcasing the government's utter insensitivity,” he stated.

Earlier, the BJP, alongside local residents, called for a ‘Hazaribagh Bandh’ on Monday in response to the tragedy. Demonstrators took to the streets in various locations, including Hazaribagh city and the Bishnugarh block headquarters, demanding the swift arrest of the offenders and stringent action.

Thousands of individuals, including Hazaribagh MP Manish Jaiswal, Barhi MLA Manoj Kumar Yadav, and district BJP President Vivekananda Singh, marched through the streets, chanting slogans and causing businesses to shut down.

Shops were closed in numerous areas, including the vicinity of Bishnugarh police station, Jhumra Market, and Saat Mile. Commercial establishments in Jhumra Market and nearby areas were also entirely shuttered, disrupting everyday public life.

At the press conference in Delhi, Sahu voiced support for the Jharkhand High Court’s initiative in taking suo motu cognizance of the case and criticized comments made by the state Finance Minister and other Congress leaders, labeling them “insensitive.”

He further accused the government of trying to placate the victim’s family by offering compensation after a significant delay instead of ensuring prompt justice. Emphasizing the BJP’s backing for the victim’s family, Sahu called for immediate identification and stern punishment of those accountable.

The Jharkhand High Court, on Monday morning, took notice of the matter and issued notices to the State Home Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), demanding their responses. The court expressed displeasure over the delay in apprehending the accused.

Describing the crime as a ghastly act that brings shame to humanity, the court sought investigation details from the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Hazaribagh, who participated virtually in the session.

The SP informed the court that law enforcement teams promptly arrived at the scene after receiving information about the incident and gathered vital evidence with the assistance of a forensic team and dog squad. He mentioned that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been established under the guidance of DGP Tadasha Mishra and is actively investigating the case.

Meanwhile, in Ranchi, BJP State Spokesperson Rafia Naz also condemned the state government concerning the incident, particularly questioning the silence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s wife, Kalpana Soren. She inquired why Kalpana, who presents herself as an advocate for women’s empowerment, had not raised her voice against crimes targeting women in the state.

Citing crime statistics, Naz highlighted that 128 rape cases were reported in Jharkhand in January 2026 alone, while over 16,000 cases pertaining to crimes against women remain unresolved.

Pointing to recent events in Sahibganj, Gumla, and Littipara, she alleged that criminal elements have gained dominance in the state.