NEW DELHI – Reacting to the gang-rape and brutalisation of a woman in Bihar’s Begusarai district, the Congress on Saturday termed the incident deeply shameful and unfortunate, saying it had crossed all limits of barbarity.
Speaking to IANS, Congress MP Manoj Kumar said, “The incident that has occurred there is deeply shameful and unfortunate. The governance and administration in Bihar have failed completely. They are merely making hollow claims and making promises, while the morale of criminals remains high.”
Questioning the state government’s handling of law and order, he asked, “Who is responsible for all of this? Who is responsible for such an inhuman act?”
Referring to reports surrounding the incident, Kumar said, “It is being said that the woman had gone to the police station seeking protection before the crime took place. She was helpless. The accused subjected her to extreme cruelty. Her hands were restrained, and she was brutally assaulted.”
He further alleged that such incidents have become increasingly common in the state.
“Such things are happening frequently in Bihar. Incidents of crime against women are reported almost every day. However, the kind of brutality seen in this case has crossed all limits of barbarity,” he said.
The Congress leader also questioned the silence of those who claim to champion women’s rights.
“Bihar has traditionally been a state that respects women. Why are those who once spoke about women’s dignity silent today?” he asked.
Recalling debates around the Women’s Reservation Bill, Kumar said, “A few months ago, several special discussions were held in Parliament regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill. Women MPs and leaders came out in support of the legislation and accused us of being against women’s rights. Today, the question is: Who is in power in Bihar, and what action are they taking to ensure women’s safety?”
Meanwhile, the investigation into the heinous gang-rape and brutalisation of a woman in Bihar’s Begusarai district, that is reminiscent of the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape case in the national Capital, intensified on Friday. Senior officials of Bihar Police launched a detailed enquiry into the shocking case and took disciplinary action against the Chakia SHO Rajiv Ranjan on Friday, for negligence.
The case, which pertains to an incident reported in the Chakia police station area on the night of June 11, gained widespread attention after allegations surfaced that a bullet, piece of wood and a stone were later recovered from the victim’s private parts during medical treatment.
Begusarai Range DIG, Shailesh Kumar Sinha, visited the victim at Sadar Hospital and met her family members to gather information about the horrific crime.
He also reviewed the progress of the investigation with police officials and sought details regarding the action taken so far in the case.
The DIG subsequently held discussions with the medical team, including the Civil Surgeon, and obtained a detailed briefing on the victim’s examination and treatment.
In a significant administrative action, Chakia SHO Rajiv Ranjan has been suspended.
According to the DIG, preliminary findings indicated negligence in handling the case, prompting departmental action against SHO Rajiv Ranjan.
Police have registered an FIR in connection with the case and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to identify and arrest the accused.
Senior officers, including the DIG and district police officials, have inspected the alleged crime scene as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials stated that a fresh medical examination has been conducted by a medical Board, and investigators are awaiting the final report, which is expected to play a crucial role in determining the next course of action.
The police have assured that all accused people involved in the crime will be arrested and brought to justice.
Investigators are examining evidence, recording statements, and verifying all aspects of the case.
Authorities have emphasised that further legal and departmental action will be taken based on the findings of the medical report and the SIT’s investigation.
The case has generated widespread public concern and drawn attention to the handling of crimes against women in Bihar, with senior officials closely monitoring the developments in the case.
According to an official, the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Chakiya police station on the night of June 11.
The 30-year-old woman had stepped out of her home to use the toilet when she was allegedly intercepted by five men, who forcibly dragged her to a secluded location, tied her hands and legs with her clothes and gang-raped her.
In a show of cruelty and depravity, the rapists inserted a cartridge, wood, and a stone into the hapless woman’s her private parts.
The woman’s family has also accused the local police of failing to respond appropriately and sending them back home when they first attempted to lodge a complaint in the case. — IANS
