A gang-rape survivor in Bihar Begusarai district was allegedly thrown off a rooftop months after reporting the assault. Her family suspects the attack was intended to force her to withdraw the case.
BY PC BUREAU
November 12 — A gang-rape survivor in Bihar’s Begusarai district has allegedly been thrown off the roof of a building, months after the original assault, in an attack her family suspects was intended to force her to withdraw the case. The incident has put Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s recent assertion that Bihar had effectively eliminated crime under fresh scrutiny.
The 30-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to Begusarai Sadar Hospital for treatment. Police have arrested one accused, identified as Bhongal Kumar, and are looking for another suspect, officials said.
The attack comes barely a week after Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary made a controversial remark on crime in Bihar at an event in Delhi on November 3. “Hamare yahan koi apraadh nahi hai. Apraadh ka concept hi khatam ho chuka hai. Crime ho sakte hain, lekin apraadh nahi, koi apraadhi nahi hai,” he said, suggesting that the state had got rid of crime and criminals.
The remark drew criticism from the Opposition, with RJD leader and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav mocking the chief minister’s claim.
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Bihar Police Under Scrutiny
The survivor’s family has alleged that they had been receiving threats and facing pressure to withdraw the gang-rape complaint filed in June. They suspect the latest attack was linked to the case.
According to the survivor’s statement to investigators, the accused had threatened to kill her if she refused to agree to a compromise. Her relatives also alleged that they had informed the local police about the threats but no effective action was taken.
Police said a separate FIR had been registered on the basis of the woman’s statement. Begusarai Superintendent of Police Maneesh said Bhongal Kumar had been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Efforts were under way to apprehend the other accused.
The woman was allegedly taken to the rooftop of her house and thrown from a height of around 15 feet. She sustained grievous injuries and was first taken to a local health facility before being referred to the Sadar Hospital.
Gang rape in June
The latest assault follows a gang rape reported on June 11. The woman had alleged that five men intercepted her when she stepped out of her house late at night. They allegedly confined her husband to a room before taking her to an isolated location and sexually assaulting her.
The brutality of the assault emerged during medical treatment. Doctors reportedly recovered a cartridge-like object, a stone and a piece of wood from her private parts.
Her family has also alleged that some of the accused had attempted to sexually assault her again around three months ago. They claimed that a complaint was lodged at the time, but the threats continued.
The latest attack has raised questions about the protection available to survivors who pursue criminal cases and the ability of local police to prevent intimidation of witnesses and complainants.
Tejashwi targets government
The incident has triggered fresh criticism of the Bihar government over women’s safety and the law-and-order situation.
Tejashwi Yadav accused the administration of failing to contain crime, particularly offences against women. He said lawbreakers appeared to have little fear of the law.
Choudhary, who also holds the Home portfolio, has defended his position on crime control. His November 3 remarks, however, have become a political talking point as the Begusarai case highlights the continuing challenges faced by a rape survivor and her family.
The investigation into the latest attack is continuing.
