Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Jharkhand Chief Minister Orders Probe Into Tribal Woman’s Police Abuse Allegations
Punia Devi says police officers hurt and mistreated her in Latehar district.
She says they took her away after an argument while she was grazing goats on October 5.
She and villagers say she was beaten at the police station.
She also alleges sexual misconduct, casteist insults, and that money kept for a wedding was taken.
A complaint says officers pressured her to make a video about poppy growing.
These claims have not been independently verified.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has ordered an investigation, and police have formed an inquiry team.
Villagers and local tribal groups are asking for action, while the investigation continues.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed Latehar’s Superintendent of Police to investigate allegations against Bariyatu police personnel and report back.
Punia Devi said police took her on October 5 after an altercation while she was grazing goats in the Bariyatu police station area.
She and villagers alleged she was beaten, tied upside down and abused; she also alleged sexual misconduct and casteist slurs.
The complaint also alleges police forced a video implicating her in poppy cultivation and took Rs 80,000 kept for a wedding.
Latehar police formed an inquiry team; villagers filed a complaint, while tribal organisations sought suspensions and an FIR under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
- Who
- Punia Devi, personnel of Bariyatu police station, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and local villagers.
- What
- Allegations of assault, torture, sexual misconduct, casteist abuse, coercion and taking Rs 80,000; the allegations are under investigation.
- When
- The alleged incident occurred on October 5; the year is not consistently specified in the reports.
- Where
- The Bariyatu police station area, Latehar district, Jharkhand.
- Why
- The woman was reportedly grazing goats when an altercation with police personnel allegedly occurred; the reports do not establish a confirmed cause.
Complainant, villagers and tribal organisations
Police inquiry and official response
Alleged police conduct
Complainant, villagers and tribal organisations
Punia Devi and villagers allege she was assaulted and mistreated in custody; her complaint also alleges sexual misconduct, casteist abuse, coercion over a video about poppy cultivation, and the taking of Rs 80,000.
Police inquiry and official response
The allegations have not been independently verified. The police administration has constituted an inquiry team; no findings or response disputing the allegations are reported.
What action should follow
Complainant, villagers and tribal organisations
Villagers submitted a written complaint, and local tribal organisations demanded suspension of the accused personnel and an FIR under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Police inquiry and official response
Hemant Soren directed the Latehar SP to investigate, take appropriate action and submit a report; the inquiry is ongoing.
- Chief Minister
- Hemant Soren
- Complainant
- Punia Devi, described in one report as 33 years old
- Alleged incident
- October 5, while she was grazing goats
- Location
- Bariyatu police station area, Latehar district, Jharkhand
- Money allegedly taken
- Rs 80,000, reportedly saved for an upcoming wedding
- Inquiry team
- Led by the Balumath Sub-Divisional Police Officer and a woman police officer
- Requested action
- Local tribal organisations sought suspension of accused personnel and an FIR under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
- Status
- The allegations have not been independently verified and are under investigation
