Jharkhand High Court Mandates Narco Test for Key Suspect in Missing Girl Case
Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Jharkhand High Court has ordered a narco test on the main suspect in the case of an 18-year-old girl missing for eight months. This decision highlights serious concerns regarding police delays and the handling of the investigation.
Key Takeaways
Jharkhand High Court orders a narco test for key suspect.
The girl has been missing for eight months.
Serious concerns raised over police investigation delays.
Potential for CBI involvement if issues persist.
Ongoing investigation highlights the importance of timely action.
Ranchi, March 23 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court has mandated a narco test for the primary suspect in the case of an 18-year-old girl from Bokaro who has been unaccounted for over the last eight months. The court has instructed the authorities to present a report within two weeks.
A division bench comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Deepak Roshan ordered the narco analysis test for the main accused, Dinesh Mahto. The court emphasized that the report must be delivered at the next hearing.
During the session, the Bokaro Superintendent of Police (SP) appeared with the case diary and lower court records. However, the bench expressed strong dissatisfaction with the police regarding delays and shortcomings in the investigation.
The court voiced significant concern over a 10-day delay in the FIR registration. Records indicate that while the girl vanished on July 27, 2025, a general diary entry was made that same day, but the FIR was only filed on August 4, 2025. The state counsel could not provide an adequate explanation for this delay.
The SP informed the court that a show-cause notice had been issued to the Officer-in-Charge of the Pindrajora Police Station for their negligence in managing the case.
Representing the petitioner, the missing woman's mother, advocates Vincent Rohit Marqui, Shantanu Gupta, and Ritul Nanda raised serious issues regarding the police's conduct and the investigation process.
The case took an unexpected turn when the court learned that, in December 2025, there were indications that the missing girl was in Pune. Authorities had detained a suspect, Loknath Mahto, but he managed to evade capture while being transported by train.
Referencing a similar 2020 incident involving the murder of a missing woman in Bokaro, the bench cautioned the police against any lack of sensitivity or delays in such critical cases.
The High Court previously indicated that it might consider transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if the lapses continue.
Point of View
It is essential to ensure that justice is served with urgency and diligence.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What decision did the Jharkhand High Court make regarding the missing girl case?
The Jharkhand High Court ordered a narco test for the prime accused, Dinesh Mahto, and required a report to be submitted within two weeks.
How long has the girl been missing?
The 18-year-old girl from Bokaro has been missing for the past eight months.
What concerns did the court express regarding the police investigation?
The court criticized the police for delays in the investigation, particularly a 10-day delay in filing the FIR.
What was revealed about the suspect in December 2025?
In December 2025, it was reported that the missing girl might be in Pune, and a suspect, Loknath Mahto, was apprehended but escaped.
Could the investigation be transferred to another agency?
Yes, the High Court has indicated it may consider transferring the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if police lapses continue.
