Ranchi, April 20 (IANS) The alleged gang-rape of a dental surgery (MDS) student in Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi has sparked massive political reactions in the state, with the BJP staging a huge protest outside the SSP office on Monday, demanding speedy justice and strict punishment for the accused.

Hundreds of BJP leaders and workers gathered outside the SSP office, raising slogans against the police administration. Party leaders warned that the agitation would be intensified if a fast-track trial and exemplary punishment were not meted out to the accused in the case.

The BJP has accused the state government of insensitivity towards crimes against women. A day earlier, the BJP’s women workers had taken out a torch procession in Ranchi over the same issue.

Heavy police deployment was made outside the SSP office to maintain law and order on Monday. City SP said protesters were stopped outside the premises. Police, meanwhile, maintained that prompt and effective action had been taken and all accused were in custody.

According to police, the incident took place on April 9 at Gokul Vatika Apartments under the Lalpur police station area. The victim was allegedly invited to a birthday party by a friend, where she was reportedly drugged with intoxicants mixed in cake and pizza.

The main accused, Mohammad Danish, is alleged to have raped her. The victim was admitted to the hospital the next morning after her condition deteriorated due to excessive bleeding.

The Ranchi Police Special Investigation Team (SIT), with the help of the technical cell, arrested the main accused Mohammad Danish and his associate Fahad Mallik from Kharagpur in West Bengal, while the victim’s friend, stated to be part of the conspiracy, was earlier arrested from Ranchi.

Another accused, Shadab, who was absconding, surrendered in court on Saturday and was taken on remand for further questioning. Police said evidence has been collected and efforts are being made to ensure a conviction through a speedy trial.

–IANS

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