Protests in Ranchi seeking CBI probe in Rupa ‘suicide’ case

Ranchi: Several organizations on Thursday formed a human chain while maintaining social distancing between Albert Ekka Chowk and Sarjana Chowk here demanding a CBI inquiry into the alleged suicide by sub-inspector Rupa Tirkey.
The protest was held to mark one month of the alleged suicide. Notably, Tirkey, a tribal woman who was posted as officer-in-charge of the women police station in Sahibganj district, was found hanging in her official quarter on May 3.
Police state that prima facie it was a case of suicide. Tirkey’s parents, however, say there are indications that their daughter was murdered and expressed no confidence in the police investigation.
The human chain was formed by members of Adivasi Chhatra Sangh, All India Progressive Women’s Association, Adivasi Janadhikar Mahasabha and Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad for about two hours demanding the CBI inquiry into the case.
Maintaining social distancing, the protesters displayed placards and also shouted slogans. A homage was also paid to Tirkey at the venue.
Tirkey’s father Devanand Oroan, who took part in the protest, said, “Only a CBI inquiry can reveal the truth. There are many missing links in the information provided to us by the police. I had sought time from chief minister Hemant Soren to raise the demand but there has been no response so far.”
Aloka Kujur of Adivasi Janadhikar Mahasabha said, “ The state government should break its silence over Tirkey’s case and order a CBI inquiry. Our agitation in this regard is going on as we are not satisfied with the investigation done by the police.”
Another protest to press for the demand is also scheduled on Saturday to mark one month of Tirkey’s burial. Political parties, including BJP, are also demanding a CBI inquiry into the case.
So far, Sahibganj police have arrested sub-inspector Shiv Kumar Kanaujia for abetment of suicide in the case. Tirkey’s parents are, however, accusing sub-inspectors Manisha Kumari and Jyotsana Kumari and one Pankaj Mishra in the "murder".