An alleged gang rape of two sisters in the Naubatpur area of Patna has ignited a sharp political confrontation in Bihar, with 13 individuals booked following a complaint filed by the victims. The incident, which reportedly took place on 18 June, has drawn fierce criticism of the state government from the Opposition over the law-and-order situation.

What Happened

The two victims, residents of Latehar district in Jharkhand, were living in rented accommodation in Patna's Mithapur area. According to the First Information Report (FIR), they had been hired for ₹8,000 to perform at a dance programme during a Tilak ceremony in a village under the Naubatpur police station area.

The booking was allegedly arranged by Munna Kumar, a resident of Bhelura Rampur village, who transported the sisters from Mithapur to the village on a scooter. The women alleged that instead of being taken to the programme venue, Munna Kumar, along with his cousins Suraj Kumar, Bhanu Kumar, and several others, forcibly took them to a secluded location.

As per the FIR, the accused allegedly kept the sisters captive, moved them between multiple locations, and sexually assaulted them through the night. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. Authorities are expected to proceed on the basis of the victims' statements, medical evidence, and the findings of the ongoing probe.

RJD's Rohini Acharya Attacks State Government

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and daughter of party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rohini Acharya, took to social media platform X on Saturday to launch a sharp attack on the state administration. She said that if women and girls in the state are not safe, all claims regarding law and order lose significance.

Acharya described the rising incidents of sexual violence against women in Bihar as a matter of 'serious concern' and alleged that repeated rape cases expose what she termed the 'failure of the state government's claims regarding the rule of law.' She further alleged that criminals involved in such offences appear to have little fear of either the law or the state administration.

She added that ensuring women's safety is the foremost responsibility of any government, and that a decline in crimes against women is necessary for official claims on the subject to carry credibility. Acharya also alleged that the current administration has failed to instil fear among criminals or confidence among victims seeking justice, citing delays in previous cases as evidence of administrative failure.

Political Fallout in Bihar

The Naubatpur incident has intensified political tensions between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition in Bihar. While Opposition parties have raised questions over women's safety and governance, the ruling coalition has not yet issued a formal response to the specific allegations raised by Acharya.

This comes amid a broader pattern of Opposition scrutiny over law and order in Bihar, with the RJD repeatedly flagging crimes against women as a governance failure of the current state government.

Investigation Status

Police officials are currently examining the allegations, the victims' statements, and the medical evidence. The accused — including Munna Kumar, Suraj Kumar, and Bhanu Kumar — are among the 13 individuals named in the FIR. Investigators are expected to conclude their preliminary findings before proceeding with arrests or further legal action.