The incident of public harassment and attempted gang rape of a young woman in Ajaypur village under Noorsarai police station in Nalanda district on March 26 has brought the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar into sharp focus. CPI(ML) and AIPWA have termed the incident as a stark example of rising insecurity for women under the current regime.
According to information gathered, local dominant elements forcibly tried to abduct the woman and subjected her to abuse and intimidation. The woman raised an alarm, following which local residents gathered and she managed to escape. An FIR has been registered at Noorsarai police station. Police have arrested 8 accused including Ashok alias Poona Yadav and Matru Raut. Several accused are still absconding. The survivor lives with her elderly mother-in-law as her husband works outside. She belongs to a socially and economically vulnerable section. The incident came into wider public view after a video surfaced on March 31.
A five-member fact finding team of CPI(ML) and AIPWA visited the village on April 1. The team included Srinivas Sharma, Maksudan Sharma, Girija Devi, Renu Devi and Viresh Kumar. The team found the survivor deeply traumatised and under visible pressure. She avoided speaking openly and repeatedly cited the ongoing police investigation. The atmosphere in the village remains tense, with the influence of dominant groups evident as several locals were seen siding against the survivor.
During the visit, police reached the village and later took the survivor to the police station. Despite the presence of journalists and political representatives, no one was allowed to meet her. This has raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of the police.
CPI(ML) and AIPWA stated that the incident exposes the reality behind claims of good governance in the state. Crimes against women are increasing, while the administration is failing to ensure accountability and safety. They have demanded immediate arrest of all accused, speedy trial and strict punishment. They have also called for ensuring full protection and security for the survivor and her family. A protest march was organised at Bihar Sharif on April 2 by CPI(ML) & AIPWA demanding justice.
