Samastipur: A crucial turn has emerged in the high-profile case involving the son of former minister Ramashraay Sahni, Mukesh Sahni, as the minor girl who initially accused him of rape and kidnapping has repeatedly changed her statement, now alleging molestation. This development has prompted the court to schedule the girl’s statement to be recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code today, a step that will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the entire case.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sanjay Pandey underscored the gravity of the situation, particularly given the accusation against the son of a former minister. He emphasised the necessity of recording the victim’s statement before a magistrate under Section 164. The Mufassil police station will oversee this crucial process. Currently, an FIR for molestation has been registered, and the accused’s driver, Raghuveer, has been arrested and sent to jail.
Initial Allegations: Forced Abduction and Assault
According to the FIR, the minor girl recounted a harrowing experience, stating she was forcibly abducted by Mukesh Sahni and his driver, Raghuveer Kumar, while she was out for defecation. She alleged they made her sit on a bike against her will, committing “wrong things” to her en route. She claimed they picked her up near a farm, took her to various locations where she was harassed, and subsequently abandoned her at a deserted spot. With the help of acquaintances, she eventually reached Samastipur and lodged a complaint at the Mufassil police station.
Audio Surfaces Amidst Initial Rape Claim
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, an audio recording of the girl surfaced earlier, in which she purportedly stated: “Mummy sorry I am running away from home. Mukesh Sahni made a video of me. I went to the farm. He caught me and took me to the road and raped me. I am running away. Sorry Mummy-Papa.”
The girl, who had been missing since Friday night, was recovered by the police on Saturday afternoon. The incident is reported from a village within the Mufassil police station area.
Public Outcry and Police Confrontation
The emergence of the audio clip sparked widespread outrage among villagers, who subsequently surrounded the former minister’s residence. Upon the arrival of the police, they were met with public anger, resulting in damage to a police vehicle. Reinforcements from several police stations were eventually dispatched to bring the situation under control.
Former Minister Cries Political Conspiracy
Former minister Ramashray Sahni, refuting the allegations, claimed his son was being “implicated as part of a political conspiracy.” He stated that his driver had seen the girl and a boy named Anshu in a “suspicious situation” at night and had recorded a video. The driver then informed Mukesh Sahni, who also arrived at the scene. According to the former minister, the girl subsequently left on a bike with the boy.
Sahni further suggested that the girl deliberately provided “wrong information” when she called home to mislead the investigation. He asserted that a meeting had been held with other accused individuals and villagers, where “the truth was put forward,” but some elements were “unnecessarily blowing the matter out of proportion.” He confirmed handing over his driver to the police for questioning, while vehemently denying his son’s involvement and stating that police should take action if his son’s culpability is proven.
Uncle Alleges Kidnapping from Home
Conversely, the girl’s uncle presented a contrasting account, alleging that the former minister’s younger son “kidnapped my niece from the house” at midnight. He expressed concern about what transpired during the night. Upon confronting the former minister at his house, the uncle claimed he was urged to “keep calm and suppress the matter,” a suggestion he refused, subsequently informing the police.
During the ensuing commotion, the former minister’s family reportedly secured their house and informed the police. The arrival of a police patrol team further inflamed public anger, leading to stones being pelted at the vehicle and its subsequent damage. The initial police team was forced to withdraw, and a larger police contingent was dispatched from headquarters to restore order.
