Bihar: Minor girl allegedly raped in Sheikhpura after lift; accused held in 12 hours
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A minor girl was allegedly raped in Bihar's Sheikhpura district on Friday evening after she accepted a lift from a man in a Scorpio SUV, who subsequently abandoned her in an unconscious state on the roadside before fleeing. The accused, identified as Amrit Kumar alias Amit Kumar, a resident of Jakhraj Sthan, was arrested within 12 hours of the incident from the neighbouring Lakhisarai district.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to police, the victim — a student — was waiting near the RD College turn after attending coaching classes when the accused pulled up in his vehicle and offered to drop her home. The girl reportedly insisted he first speak to her family members before she boarded. The accused attempted to call them from his mobile phone, but the calls went unanswered.
After he allegedly assured her of a safe drop, the girl agreed to get into the vehicle. Instead of taking her home, the accused reportedly drove towards Madari Road, beyond the deserted Bhadaus turn, where he allegedly raped her inside the car. He then abandoned her near the Jharkhand Mandir turn, close to Pachna village, while she was unconscious.
Police Response and Arrest
After the victim managed to reach home, she and her family approached the authorities. A case was registered at the women's police station the same night. On directions from Superintendent of Police Himanshu, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the leadership of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). The team comprised the Cyber DSP, the Sadar SHO, the SHO of the women's police station, and personnel from the technical cell.
Investigators traced the accused through the mobile number he had used to contact the victim's family — the number had appeared on the family's phone, providing a key lead. Tracking its location, the SIT raided a residence at Jamui Mor in Lakhisarai district and arrested Amrit Kumar late Friday night. The Scorpio SUV allegedly used in the crime and two mobile phones were also seized.
Forensic Investigation and Medical Examination
The victim underwent a medical examination following the incident. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team collected scientific evidence from the vehicle and the alleged crime scene. Addressing a press conference at the SDPO's office on Saturday, SDPO Dr Rakesh Kumar confirmed the details of the arrest and investigation.
Speedy Trial Promised
'The case will undergo a speedy trial. The police administration will submit a chargesheet against the accused in court within 15 days,' Dr Kumar said. Police added that further investigation remains underway. This case comes amid broader concerns about the safety of women and minors in public spaces in Bihar, with advocacy groups repeatedly calling for faster prosecution in such cases.