Bihar men grope woman in public rape attempt, bystanders record video; 2 arrested

A disturbing incident from Bihar has sparked outrage after a young woman alleged that three men attempted to rape her in public, filmed the act and circulated the video online, prompting police to step up action.

The incident took place in Nalanda district under the Noorsarai police station limits on March 26 between 6 pm and 7 pm. The 20-year-old woman said she was returning home from the market when three men from her village intercepted her.

According to her complaint, the accused dragged her on the road, groped her and attempted to rape her. Despite her resistance, they tore her clothes and left her partially unclothed.

She screamed for help, but locals present at the spot did not intervene. Her cries eventually drew attention, forcing the accused to flee.

VIDEO FILMED, SHARED ONLINE

In a shocking detail, the accused allegedly recorded a video of the incident. A clip of around 40 seconds later surfaced on social media, bringing the case into the public domain.

Eyewitness accounts also suggest that some bystanders chose to film the incident instead of helping the woman, deepening outrage over the episode.

COMPLAINT FILED, POLICE ACT

The survivor filed a complaint on March 27, following which police registered a case and launched an investigation.

Two of the named accused, Ashok Yadav and Matru Mahato alias Navneet Kumar, have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Efforts are underway to trace the third accused, Ravikant Kumar.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjay Agrawal said, “Two named accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Raids are being conducted for the remaining accused.”

POLICE RELEASE DETAILS OF CASE

In a press statement, Nalanda Police said, “On March 26, under Noorsarai police station in Ajaypur village, a case was registered based on the victim’s written complaint on March 27 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.”

It added, “During the investigation, two named accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Raids are being conducted for the arrest of the remaining accused. Further investigation is underway.”

SPECIAL TEAM FORMED, QUESTIONS RAISED

Given the seriousness of the case, police have formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the incident. Authorities said strict action would follow as the investigation progresses.

The incident has raised serious concerns over women’s safety, particularly in rural areas, and the role of bystanders who chose to record the act instead of intervening.

Coming from the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the case has also triggered questions over law and order and governance claims in the state.

- Ends

With inputs from Ranjeet Kumar Singh

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