The accused was arrested but released soon, following pressure from some quarters; the family of Rehan alleges threats to withdraw the complaint
VAISHALI — A 12-year-old boy was left seriously injured after he was allegedly beaten by a man for trying to pick fruit from a tree in a village in Bihar’s Vaishali district. The incident last week (April 16) has raised concern over violence against children and alleged pressure on the victim’s family.
The incident took place in Mishrauliya village under the Patedhi Belsar block, where the boy, identified as Rehan, was returning home from school with a friend. According to local accounts, the two boys stopped near a bel tree and decided to pluck fruit.
Rehan reportedly threw a stone at the tree in an attempt to bring down the fruit. At that moment, the owner of the tree, identified as Prem Mishra, arrived at the spot.
Rehan’s friend managed to run away, but the child was caught. What followed, according to witnesses and family members, was a violent assault.
A resident said, “The man chased the boy and beat him repeatedly with sticks. It was shocking to see. The child could not even defend himself.”
Family members allege that the accused continued the assault until Rehan lost consciousness. People present nearby later intervened and rescued the child, informing his family.
Rehan was first taken to the primary health centre in Belsar. Due to the seriousness of his condition, doctors referred him to the Sadar Hospital in Hajipur for further treatment.
A relative of the boy said, “He was badly injured and unconscious. We were very scared. It was just a small mistake by a child, nothing more.”
Following the incident, the family approached the Belsar police station and filed a complaint. Police acted quickly and arrested the accused.
However, the situation took a turn soon after. The family alleged that some influential people from the village reached the police station and tried to pressure the police to release the accused.
A member of the victim’s family said, “We were threatened and told to take back the case. We were afraid for our safety.”
According to the family, under fear and pressure, they informed the police that they did not wish to pursue the case further. After being held for nearly 20 hours, the accused was released.
The matter came to the attention of Vaishali Superintendent of Police, Vikram Singh Sihag, on 18 April. He ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident.
Police said a special team was formed, and the Circle Inspector of Lalganj was assigned to investigate the case. The officer visited the Belsar police station, called the victim’s family, and recorded their statements.
A police official said, “Considering the seriousness of the incident, instructions were given to register a proper case and proceed with the investigation.”
With the fresh orders, the case has now been reopened, and police say further action will be taken based on the findings.
The incident has sparked concern among locals, with many questioning how a minor act by a child led to such a violent response.
One villager said, “Children make mistakes. This level of violence is not acceptable. There must be strict action.”
Rehan’s family is now hoping for justice. “We just want those responsible to be punished so that this does not happen to another child,” a relative said.
Police officials have said that they are continuing the investigation and have assured that appropriate action will be taken as per the law.
