CPIML Demands High-Level Judicial Investigation
A serious case of sexual harassment involving women employees of a chit fund company in Muzaffarpur has emerged, prompting for the demand of a high-level judicial investigation. The CPIML has raised concerns about political protection and administrative collusion in this case.
On June 18, 2024, a CPIML team visited the site in Muzaffarpur. The team included Shashi Yadav, MLC, Sandeep Saurabh, MLA from Paliganj, Krishna Mohan, Muzaffarpur district secretary, Shatrughan Sahni, AIARLA state secretary, Suraj Singh, Insaf Manch leader, and other activists. They spoke with local residents and met with Muzaffarpur city SP. The team reported that many girls were lured into the company with promises of employment, only to face assault and sexual violence.
At a press conference in Patna on June 19, 2024, CPIML demanded a thorough investigation. Key attendees included Shashi Yadav, Sandeep Saurabh, Anita Sinha, AIPWA Bihar state secretary, Sabir Kumar, AISA Bihar state secretary, and Preeti Kumari, AISA president. The leaders emphasised the need to investigate political protection and administrative collusion, criticising the local police for initially refusing to file a case for one of the victims.
This incident follows the infamous shelter home scandal in Muzaffarpur, indicating a pattern of organised sexual exploitation. CPIML leaders stressed that such crimes could not continue without political and administrative support. They outlined several key demands: prompt arrest of all accused named in the FIR, strict interrogations and a high-level judicial investigation, inclusion of political protection and administrative collusion in the investigation, and immediate security and rehabilitation for all victimised women. The leaders warned that if justice is not served, CPIML, AISA, and AIPWA would initiate a statewide protest.
CPIML criticised Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for failing to protect women despite his claims of promoting women's empowerment. They asserted that organised sexual violence against women has become a feature of the current BJP-JDU government. Demand for a high-level judicial investigation into this case highlights the urgent need for accountability and justice. The involvement of political and administrative entities in shielding perpetrators underscores the systemic challenges in addressing such crimes.