The slogan ‘Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter’ seems to be limited to election promises and advertisements. While there’s talk of saving and educating daughters, the government appears to be failing to ensure their safety. A shocking case has emerged from Jharkhand. A 14-year-old schoolgirl gave birth to a baby at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi. The minor, from Basia, Gumla district, was reportedly raped by a young man from her village. Due to shame and threats from the accused, the minor and her family did not report the crime. As a result, the 14-year-old became pregnant. To avoid social disgrace, the family moved from Gumla to Ranchi. The matter came to light when the girl gave birth at Sadar Hospital, prompting the hospital administration to inform the police. Based on the minor’s statement, a zero FIR was filed at the Lower Bazaar police station in Ranchi, and the Basia police station in Gumla district was notified. The police arrested the accused, identified as Shiva Ahir, following an investigation by a team formed by Gumla District SP Hasish Bin Jama. The victim reported that the accused had been harassing her, and eventually raped her. She was threatened with dire consequences if she spoke out, leading her to remain silent. The police have registered a case against the accused under serious sections. Further action is ongoing. Separately, before this incident, on June 8th in the Godda district of Jharkhand, a minor tribal girl was gang-raped by 10 men in the Sunderpahari police station area during a wedding. The police have arrested all the accused involved in the gang-rape.
