Found her unconscious, tied: Sister-in-law recalls night of Bihar assault

The investigation into the alleged gang rape and brutal assault of a 30-year-old woman in Bihar's Begusarai gathered pace on Friday, with the survivor's sister-in-law recounting the events of the night of June 11 and alleging lapses in the initial police response.

Speaking to India Today TV, the woman's sister-in-law said she was awakened around midnight by loud banging on a door and cries for help from the survivor's husband. According to her, the husband had allegedly been locked inside a room from the outside during the incident.

She said she rushed to the house and opened the door, after which the family began searching for the woman. The survivor was allegedly found near the bathroom area in an unconscious state. According to the sister-in-law, her clothes were in disarray, her hands were tied behind her back and her mouth had been covered with a cloth.

The relative further claimed that the woman's body bore multiple injury marks consistent with cuts from a sharp object. Family members then rushed her for medical treatment.

The sister-in-law alleged that the family first approached the local police station seeking help but was advised to take the woman for medical treatment. She was subsequently taken to a local health facility and later referred to Begusarai Sadar Hospital. According to the family, the survivor regained consciousness the following morning and narrated the details of the alleged assault.

A SPECIAL INVESTIGATION TEAM FORMED FOR FURTHER PROBE

The case has triggered widespread outrage after allegations emerged that the woman was subjected to extreme brutality during the attack. Police have registered an FIR against three named accused — Ramu Mahato, Suraj Kumar and Nitish Kumar — along with two unidentified persons.

Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police has been constituted to probe the case. Forensic teams have also visited the crime scene and collected evidence.

The survivor's family has further alleged that some of the accused had targeted the woman earlier this year and that despite a previous complaint, no effective action was taken. Police have not commented on those allegations.

Senior police officials, including Begusarai Superintendent of Police Manish Kumar, have reviewed the investigation. Authorities said all claims made by the survivor and her family are being examined and further action will be taken based on forensic, medical and other evidence collected during the probe.

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With inputs from Sourabh Kumar