Jharkhand High Court Criticizes Police in Missing Girl Case; CBI Inquiry Possible
Synopsis
The Jharkhand High Court has expressed strong discontent with the state police's investigation into the disappearance of an 18-year-old girl from Bokaro, indicating a potential transfer to the CBI if progress is not made.
Key Takeaways
Jharkhand High Court expresses dissatisfaction with police investigation.
Concerns raised over delays in the case of a missing girl.
Potential transfer of the case to the CBI .
Significant lapses during police investigation noted.
Urgent need for accountability and sensitivity in such investigations.
Ranchi, March 19 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court has criticized the state police for their inadequate handling of the case concerning an 18-year-old girl from Bokaro who has been missing, voicing significant concerns over the slow pace and lack of tangible results in the ongoing investigation.
During a hearing on a habeas corpus petition lodged by the girl's mother, a Division Bench, under the leadership of Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, challenged the Bokaro Superintendent of Police (SP) about the justification for not transferring the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The Court remarked that negligence in such crucial cases is unacceptable and expressed frustration with the investigation's sluggishness, highlighting that several months have elapsed without any real progress.
According to the petitioner’s counsel, Vincent Rohit Marqui, the girl has been missing since July 31, 2025. An FIR (Case No. 147/2025) was filed at the Pindrajora Police Station in Bokaro regarding her disappearance.
During the investigation, the family reportedly received a phone call on December 11, 2025, suggesting that the girl was located in Pune. Following this, police detained the caller, who, during questioning, claimed that the girl was living with someone in the city.
However, a glaring oversight occurred when the detained individual escaped while being transported by train to Pune, undermining a vital lead in the investigation.
In a virtual appearance, the Bokaro SP informed the court that numerous raids have been executed in Pune and surrounding areas in efforts to find the missing girl. Additionally, another suspect has been detained, and preparations are underway for a narco-analysis test to glean more information.
Nevertheless, the Bench remained unconvinced. Citing a previous case from 2020 in Bokaro, where a missing woman was eventually discovered to have been murdered, the court emphasized the urgent need for greater accountability, sensitivity, and speed in such investigations.
The case is still under advisement, with the court suggesting it may consider transferring the investigation to the CBI should the current progress remain insufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Jharkhand High Court to criticize the police?
The court criticized the police due to delays and lack of progress in the investigation of a missing 18-year-old girl from Bokaro.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with the court indicating a possible transfer to the CBI if progress remains unsatisfactory.
When did the girl go missing?
The girl has been missing since July 31, 2025.
What significant events occurred during the investigation?
A key lead was lost when a detained suspect escaped while being transported to Pune.
What is the role of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in this case?
The CBI may take over the investigation if the court finds the police's progress inadequate.
