Mother Demands Death Penalty for Police Officer in Daughter's Murder Case
Ranchi: The grieving mother of 18-year-old Pushpa, whose skeletal remains were discovered on Saturday after she went missing in July last year, has declared that her fight for justice is far from over. Rekha Devi, who performed her daughter's final rites on Sunday, is demanding capital punishment not only for the accused ex-boyfriend but also for the now-suspended officer in charge of the local police station.
Allegations of Police Negligence and Corruption
Speaking to reporters after the last rites, Devi made a powerful statement: "I want capital punishment for my daughter's killer, but I also demand the same for 'bada babu' (the officer in charge). He and his team deliberately delayed the investigation after accepting bribes and liquor from the culprit."
The bereaved mother expressed deep anguish, suggesting her daughter might still be alive if police had shown basic compassion. "If this had happened to someone from an influential family, the entire police force would have worked overnight to find them. But because we are poor, local police kept playing football with our case," Devi alleged.
Her husband, Annat Mahto, and their 16-year-old son work as daily wage laborers, highlighting the family's vulnerable economic position that she believes contributed to police indifference.
The Tragic Disappearance and Broken Relationship
Pushpa went missing on July 21 last year while traveling to submit her application form at Chas College. Devi recalled the circumstances: "I didn't want her to continue studying because we couldn't afford it. But her prospective father-in-law insisted she should study since she was a bright student. He promised to fund her education even after marriage."
The victim had been in a relationship with accused Dinesh Kumar Mahto for three years before their breakup. "He lived in a nearby hamlet under the same Pindrajora police station limits. I had once discussed marriage with him and his family for my daughter, but he rejected the match. Later, my daughter agreed to marry him before she disappeared," Devi explained.
Failed Investigation and Pune Wild Goose Chase
Devi described how Pindrajora police showed little interest in finding her daughter from the beginning. "They didn't accept my complaint for days. Even after filing an FIR, they kept sitting on the investigation. We kept running from pillar to post seeking help," she said.
In December, the family received a call from an anonymous person claiming Pushpa was in Pune. "He said he recognized her from social media videos about the incident. After tremendous difficulty, police finally agreed to send a team," Devi recounted.
The informant, later identified as a native of Gomia in Bokaro, was traced and accompanied police to Pune. However, the mission turned disastrous. "After reaching Pune, police told my husband the informant had escaped and they needed to find him first. They disappeared, leaving my husband alone at the station. His phone was stolen, and he was stranded there. Somehow we arranged funds for his return," she said.
Seeking Justice Through Higher Authorities
Frustrated by the failed investigation, Devi decided to approach the high court with help from local social workers. Her demand for dual capital punishment represents a rare challenge to both the alleged murderer and the police officials she accuses of enabling the crime through negligence and corruption.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about police responsiveness to marginalized communities and the consequences when investigations are allegedly compromised by external influences. As the legal process continues, Rekha Devi's determined pursuit of justice serves as a powerful reminder of a mother's unwavering commitment to her daughter's memory.
