Woman grabbed, abused, assaulted with slipper at popular site in Banka: Bihar grapples with third harassment case in a week; Abdullah, two others booked

In just one week, a third instance of female harassment has been reported from Bihar.
Image via India Today

A young woman has been harassed, abused and assaulted by some youths in the Banka district of Bihar. According to the police, the incident happened at Mandar Hill, a popular tourist attraction and pilgrimage site. The video of the incident, which took place on 3rd June, has become viral on social media. The accused have been identified as Abdullah, Nitish Kumar Rai and Vikas Kumar. They are seen acting inappropriately towards the victim, abusing her and attacking her with a slipper.

The Bounsi police started an inquiry after receiving the recording on 22nd September via the social media cell. The authorities stated that the woman went to Mandar Hill accompanied by two male associates when the offenders, who are featured in the video, forcibly grabbed their hands, acted offensively and used objectionable language.

She and her companions protested, after which they were abused and threatened with severe repercussions. They were allowed to leave only after fulfilling Abdullah’s demand of Rs 1,500. The amount was transferred by her friend to his account.

The police used the video and the digital banking records to identify the three culprits who hail from the neighbouring Barahat police station area. A dedicated Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to nab the accused, and raids are being conducted for the purpose. The police assured that they will be arrested soon. The statement of the victim has also been recorded.

Banka Superintendent of Police (SP) Amitesh Kumar personally visited the Bounsi police station on 25th September (Friday) morning and conducted a thorough review of the entire matter, including inspection of the scene of the incident and action taken so far.

Earlier, 6-7 unidentified youths were booked over charges of harassment and assault. The First Information Report (FIR) mentioned that Bounsi Station House Officer (SHO) Pankaj Kumar Jha received the video on his WhatsApp number. The FIR stated that the offenders were engaged in “indecent behaviour and obscene acts” with the woman.

The cops also visited the spot to confirm the location. In an effort to identify the accused and the woman in the footage, police questioned locals and business owners in the Mandar Hill area.

Sections 74 (use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), 75 (sexual harassment), 76 (use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to disrobe her) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act have been invoked in the case.

The widely shared clip was collected by the police as proof, and the findings of the investigation will be used to pursue further legal action. They assured that the security arrangements at Mandar Hill are being further strengthened to ensure that the safety of tourists, especially women and girls, is not compromised.

This incident comes after two viral videos from Jamui and Samastipur that showed young girls being sexually harassed and assaulted, leading to arrests of multiple accused.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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