Patna/Rohtas: Police have arrested a man accused of raping and killing a school student in Rohtas district, authorities said on Sunday, in a case that has shocked the local community and reignited debate over women’s safety.
The incident occurred on the evening of December 11 in the Nasriganj area of Rohtas, when the student was returning from a private coaching class. According to police, she was intercepted in a narrow lane and attacked. She had been on her way to another coaching centre nearby to collect her younger brother when the assault took place. After the attack, the suspect allegedly attempted to mislead villagers by claiming the girl had been found unconscious on the road.
The accused, identified as Upendra Ram, a 40-year-old daily-wage labourer, was arrested following an investigation involving forensic and district intelligence teams. Police said items, including the suspect’s clothing, had been seized for examination.
Rohtas superintendent of police Roshan Kumar told reporters that the suspect had admitted his involvement during questioning. “The accused took advantage of the victim being alone. Evidence collected from the scene and forensic findings helped establish his role in the crime,” he said. Police officials added that scratch marks were found on the accused’s face, suggesting the victim resisted. The body was recovered later that night, triggering protests and demands for swift justice.
A special police team led by the Bikramganj assistant superintendent of police was formed, and the case was solved within three days, authorities said. Further legal proceedings are underway.
The killing has once again highlighted concerns about gender-based violence and public safety in Bihar, where incidents involving women and girls continue to draw widespread attention and calls for stronger preventive measures.
