Achi news desk-
The victims broke into tears recalling the Kochang gangrape incident in Khunti. He said- It is not because of that accident, we have been defeated by the system. Justice was not provided even after 6 years. Many promises were made by the government. We continued to run for government offices for 7 months. But, just be sure
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One victim died a year ago due to financial constraints. The condition of the other four means they have to work as laborers and sweep other people’s houses to earn a living. After the incident, they received Rs 3 lakh each as compensation. Assurances of further assistance were also given. We were guaranteed employment on a contract. DC had to complete this process. But, so far no job or financial support has been received.
The officer said – no one asked for help, the other said – I won’t be able to say without seeing the documents
Khunti Civil Surgeon, Dr. Nageshwar Manjhi – There is information about the event. But, no victim has asked for help. No instructions were received to provide assistance even at the government level.
The then DC Khunti, Suraj Kumar said – As far as giving a contractual job is concerned, I don’t remember it. We cannot even give such assurances. If assurance had been received, it would have been from the government level. I will only be able to say something after seeing the documents. Regarding giving assistance amount of Rs 6 thousand each for three months and stopping it, Suraj said I can’t remember much. I need to see the documents. I won’t be able to say anything without seeing the documents.
Khunti DC Lokesh Mishra said – This is a very old case. I can only say something in this regard after having complete information.
Used to perform street plays for awareness, had to leave home
One victim wholeheartedly said that she used to perform street plays to spread awareness in the society. It is used to make people aware of government programmes. But, what happened to us was unimaginable. I was so upset with the system that I had to leave my native Khunti and go to another place to earn a living.
Tired of visiting DC for 4 months and the Civil Surgeon’s office for 3 months…
The victim said that in the name of financial assistance, Rs 6,000 each was given in her account for three months. Went to DC office for a contract job. He ran there for 4 months. After this, he was sent to the Civil Surgeon’s office saying he would be adjusted in a hospital. There too, he was forced to sit outside the office all day for 3 months. Fed up, we stopped going there. Make ends meet somehow. Don’t say anything further now. Our luck is to blame. Among the four victims, one works in other houses in Khunti.
Two work in private organizations in other areas. One victim is farming in Simdega. Meanwhile, the victim from Khunti died. After the incident, the police should have gone to the accused’s house, but they used to reach our house. The police administration was aware of the incident, but they sent notices asking us to testify. Fed up with the system. Some accused are still in prison and some are out on bail.
When will we get justice: One of the 5 victims is dead, forced to sweep and mop other houses
Exactly six years ago today, the dark day of 18 June 2018, which had put Jharkhand to shame. In Kochang, Khunti, five girls who had gone to perform a street play to create awareness against human trafficking were gang-raped by criminals. Since then, the victims, who have been living their lives in grief and anger, have only received assurances in the name of help from the government.
