The gangrape and murder of a tribal girl, a fifth standard school student, rocked poll-bound Dumka on Friday, resulting in a string of protests in the district.

Opposition BJP went on an offensive against the Hemant Soren led government on social media, citing growing lawlessness in the state.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the CM in a tweet prompted state DGP MV Rao and local police to ensure quick action, directing them to put the case in a fast track court, and asking to keep him apprised of developments.

The incident took plaxce in Bhalsumar village under Ramgarh police station in Dumka. The girl left home around 7 am for tuitions on her bicycle. Hours later, her battered body was found from an abandoned place on the Bhalsumar-Dharmpur road.

A local journalist said, “According to the girl’s parents, she went for tuitions in neighbouring Dharmpur at 7 am. Around 10 am, when she didn't return, her parents began looking for her. An hour later, her cycle was found abandoned on the Bhalsumar-Dharmpur road followed by her body in the bushes nearby.”

An official fromk the Ramgarh police station informed that they learnt about the incident around noon when protests began. “Prima facie, it seems to be a case of gangrape and murder, but we can only be sure after formal medical examinationm,” he said, adding that a few condoms were also recovered from the spot.

Dumka SDPO Animesh Nathani said that the body was sent for postmortem. “Preliminary reports indicate gangrape and murder. She seemed to have been strangulated,” he said.

This is the second incident of such nature in the Santhal Parganas over a week. The body of another minor girl was exhumed by police in Sahibganj two days ago for probing alleged gangrape and murder. Four people have been taken into custody in the case.

Ahead of the upcoming byelection, BJP has aaccused the Hemant Soren government of failing to provide a safe and secure environment for women and children since it took charge earlier this year.

Lois Marandi, BJP’s Dumka candidate tweeted: “Tribal girls and women in Jharkhand aren’t safe anymore going by the rate of crimes against them. The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance, which claims to work for the rights of adivasi-moolvasis, has failed to protect their asmita (dignity). Shame on the Hemant government.”

Replying to the CM's directives, DGP Rao tweeted: “Senior police officers have been directed to reach the scene of crime and expedite investigation. Persons involved in this horrific crime will be arrested soon. Trying hard to contain such crime with a campaign to create public awareness apart from ensuring fast track trials.”