Patna: Police in Patna have arrested two men, including a 22-year-old relative, following the brutal gang-rape of a three-year-old Dalit girl in the Parsa Bazar area. The child remains in a “extremely critical” condition in the intensive care unit at AIIMS Patna, suffering from extensive internal injuries and physical trauma.
The incident has sparked fresh outrage in Bihar over the safety of children and the particular vulnerability of Dalit communities. According to investigators, the toddler was alone at home while her mother was out working. The child’s uncle, who lived in the same vicinity, allegedly took her from the house under the guise of care before leading her to a secluded area near a pond approximately 300 metres away.
Details of the Assault
Police reports indicate the child was subjected to a sustained and “monstrous” attack. Medical staff at AIIMS Patna confirmed the toddler arrived at the hospital unconscious and suffering from profuse bleeding. Doctors noted deep wounds across her face, back, and private parts, suggesting she was bitten and severely beaten as her attackers attempted to stifle her cries.
The victim’s mother discovered the child after returning home to find the house empty. Following the sound of muffled crying toward the village outskirts, she found her daughter drenched in blood and groaning in pain.
Arrests and Forensic Investigation
Superintendent of police confirmed that the child’s 22-year-old uncle and a second man, identified as Jitendra, have been taken into custody. Both men are reported to be drug addicts; Jitendra is notably the father of a seven-year-old girl. A third suspect remains at large, while two other individuals are being questioned regarding their potential involvement.
“This is a heinous crime that violates every sense of human decency,” a local legal advocate stated, noting that because the uncle was a de facto guardian, the prosecution will likely seek the maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Key developments in the investigation include:
- Forensic Evidence: The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has recovered blood-stained clothing from the scene.
- DNA Profiling: Authorities have ordered DNA testing for all suspects to ensure a robust evidentiary case.
- Legal Charges: A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act alongside various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to gang-rape and attempted murder.
A Pattern of Violence
The assault highlights the ongoing crisis of sexual violence in India, where despite stricter laws introduced over the last decade, the conviction rates remain low and the brutality of attacks against minors continues to rise. The victim’s status as a member of the Dalit community—traditionally at the bottom of India’s caste hierarchy—adds a layer of systemic vulnerability that human rights activists say often leads to delayed justice.
As the three-year-old remains under constant medical supervision, the community in Parsa Bazar has called for a fast-track trial to ensure the perpetrators face immediate legal consequences.
