The Jharkhand High Court on October 1 asked the state to explain why a woman remained in a Hazaribagh detention centre after acquittal in a criminal case. The bench summoned the Home Secretary for October 5, according to The Jharkhand Story and Newswave Jharkhand.
A petition seeking her production and release also alleged sexual assault by a police constable while she was in custody. The court directed the district legal-services authority to record her statement and submit an inquiry report under seal. This is an allegation under inquiry, not a judicial finding that assault occurred.
The Hazaribagh police superintendent assured the court of an investigation and security for the woman; the state also promised a thorough inquiry. The court sought reports for the next hearing. The reviewed accounts do not report her release or a final ruling on the legality of detention. Her identity is withheld.