Jharkhand High Court Orders Removal of Bokaro Police Officer Amid Missing Minor Case
Details of the Case
The Jharkhand High Court has ordered the removal of an officer in charge of a police station while hearing a case regarding a minor girl who has been missing for eight months. The girl disappeared on July 21, 2025, from Bokaro district after leaving home to submit an online form. The girl’s mother reported her missing on the same day but alleges that it took the police until August 4 to register a First Information Report (FIR).
According to the girl’s mother, despite searching for her daughter among relatives and friends, she could not be found, prompting the family to approach the police. Initially, however, the police are alleged to have refused to register the FIR. The mother reported that officials warned them against naming any suspects, stating that doing so could lead to legal repercussions for the family.
FIR Registration and Suspected Kidnapping
The FIR was eventually registered on August 4, alleging kidnapping by a local youth with whom the girl reportedly had a past relationship. The mother claimed that the relationship ended when her daughter refused to marry the suspect, as the family had arranged a marriage for her with another individual.
In December 2025, the family received a call from an unidentified individual claiming to know the whereabouts of the girl in Pune, assuring them that she would be returned. The police subsequently tracked the caller, identified as Loknath Mahato, but he escaped from custody while being transported to Pune. The girl’s father expressed uncertainty over whether Mahato fled or was helped in escaping by the police.
Police Conduct and Family Allegations
Following the escape of the suspect, the girl’s mother alleged that during a police operation in Pune, her husband was left at the railway station while officers pursued leads. She claimed that her husband’s mobile phone, which contained critical information regarding the case, was stolen during this operation. The mother expressed frustration that, despite these incidents, there have been no significant advancements in locating her daughter, as the primary suspect remains at large.
Concerns escalated when a relative of the girl’s family was reportedly detained and assaulted by police earlier this month. The family accused the police of harassment, stating that the relative was threatened and abused during questioning. The girl’s mother questioned the seriousness with which the police are handling their case, highlighting the ongoing distress faced by the family.
Court Interventions and Police Actions
On April 7, the High Court issued a directive forbidding the police from taking coercive actions against the petitioner or her relatives. However, the family’s legal counsel claimed that another relative was taken into custody by the police on the morning of the court’s hearing. An affidavit detailing these allegations was submitted to the court during this session.
The Director General of Police (DGP) attended the proceedings virtually, informing the court about the establishment of a one-man committee led by a DIG-rank officer to investigate the case. The findings from this committee are expected to be submitted to the court for further examination. Despite inquiries, the DGP, Tadasha Mishra, stated she had no additional information regarding the matter.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The order by the court included the removal of the officer in charge of the local police station from their post. However, it has been noted that no suspension has been imposed. The case is scheduled for further hearing on April 15, 2026, as the family continues to seek justice and the safe return of their missing daughter.
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Contents
Details of the CaseThe Jharkhand High Court has ordered the removal of an officer in charge of a police station while hearing a case regarding a minor girl who has been missing for eight months. The girl disappeared on July 21, 2025, from Bokaro district after leaving home to submit an online form. The girl’s mother reported her missing on the same day but alleges that it took the police until August 4 to register a First Information Report (FIR).According to the girl’s mother, despite searching for her daughter among relatives and friends, she could not be found, prompting the family to approach the police. Initially, however, the police are alleged to have refused to register the FIR. The mother reported that officials warned them against naming any suspects, stating that doing so could lead to legal repercussions for the family.FIR Registration and Suspected KidnappingThe FIR was eventually registered on August 4, alleging kidnapping by a local youth with whom the girl reportedly had a past relationship. The mother claimed that the relationship ended when her daughter refused to marry the suspect, as the family had arranged a marriage for her with another individual.In December 2025, the family received a call from an unidentified individual claiming to know the whereabouts of the girl in Pune, assuring them that she would be returned. The police subsequently tracked the caller, identified as Loknath Mahato, but he escaped from custody while being transported to Pune. The girl’s father expressed uncertainty over whether Mahato fled or was helped in escaping by the police.Police Conduct and Family AllegationsFollowing the escape of the suspect, the girl’s mother alleged that during a police operation in Pune, her husband was left at the railway station while officers pursued leads. She claimed that her husband’s mobile phone, which contained critical information regarding the case, was stolen during this operation. The mother expressed frustration that, despite these incidents, there have been no significant advancements in locating her daughter, as the primary suspect remains at large.Concerns escalated when a relative of the girl’s family was reportedly detained and assaulted by police earlier this month. The family accused the police of harassment, stating that the relative was threatened and abused during questioning. The girl’s mother questioned the seriousness with which the police are handling their case, highlighting the ongoing distress faced by the family.Court Interventions and Police ActionsOn April 7, the High Court issued a directive forbidding the police from taking coercive actions against the petitioner or her relatives. However, the family’s legal counsel claimed that another relative was taken into custody by the police on the morning of the court’s hearing. An affidavit detailing these allegations was submitted to the court during this session.The Director General of Police (DGP) attended the proceedings virtually, informing the court about the establishment of a one-man committee led by a DIG-rank officer to investigate the case. The findings from this committee are expected to be submitted to the court for further examination. Despite inquiries, the DGP, Tadasha Mishra, stated she had no additional information regarding the matter.Next Steps in the Legal ProcessThe order by the court included the removal of the officer in charge of the local police station from their post. However, it has been noted that no suspension has been imposed. The case is scheduled for further hearing on April 15, 2026, as the family continues to seek justice and the safe return of their missing daughter.
