Sitamarhi: A 10-year-old girl has been hospitalised following an alleged sexual assault in Sitamarhi, prompting protests, road blockades and heightened security across the district in Bihar.
Police said the incident took place under the jurisdiction of Nagar Police Station, where the child was allegedly lured away by a young man on the pretext of giving her chocolates before the assault. The accused is currently absconding.
News of the incident led to anger among local residents, who gathered in large numbers and blocked roads, demanding immediate arrest of the suspect. Protesters set fire to tyres on a main road, causing traffic disruption for several hours. A group of women also joined the demonstration, raising slogans against the administration and demanding stricter action in cases involving crimes against children.
Police officials from multiple stations were deployed to the area as tensions escalated. Officers attempted to disperse the crowd and restore traffic movement, while assuring demonstrators that efforts to trace the accused were underway. Additional forces have since been deployed to prevent further escalation.
According to police, the child has undergone a medical examination and is receiving care. Investigators said they are conducting raids at multiple locations and examining possible leads, including reports that the suspect discarded his mobile SIM card before fleeing.
Speaking on the case, Sadar deputy superintendent of police Rajiv Kumar Singh said:
“A case came to light involving the rape of a 10-to-11-year-old girl. Her neighbor stands accused of the crime. Upon receiving the information, the police arrived at the scene, and the child was admitted to the hospital. Her condition is stable. The accused’s family members have been brought in for questioning. The family informed us that the accused has been absconding since the incident; he reportedly discarded his SIM card and fled with only his mobile phone.”
Officials said the investigation is ongoing, and the situation in the area remains tense, with residents continuing to demand swift arrest and strict action against the accused.
