In a disturbing case of alleged intimidation, a 28-year-old gang-rape survivor was reportedly dragged to the rooftop of her house and thrown from a height of around 15 feet, nearly four months after she was brutally assaulted.
The woman sustained serious injuries, including head injuries, in the latest attack, which took place on Monday night, November 9.
Her husband has alleged that the family had been receiving repeated threats from criminals demanding that they withdraw the gang-rape case registered in June. Police have arrested one suspect, identified as Bhongal Mahto, while efforts are underway to trace another accused.
Survivor Allegedly Dragged to Rooftop
According to the family's account, two men allegedly entered the neighbourhood and locked a nearby house from outside before targeting the woman. When she stepped out to open the door, the attackers allegedly grabbed her, dragged her to the rooftop and pushed her off.
She fell approximately 15 feet, suffering serious injuries. She was initially taken to a local medical facility before being shifted to Begusarai Sadar Hospital for further treatment. Police registered a fresh FIR based on her statement and began investigating the incident.
Family Claims Repeated Threats
The woman's husband alleged that the family had been living under constant fear since the original gang-rape case was registered. According to him, the accused and their associates had repeatedly threatened them and pressured them to reach a compromise and withdraw the complaint.
The family also alleged that the latest attack was intended to intimidate the survivor and prevent her from pursuing the case. Investigators are examining these allegations as part of the fresh investigation.
Earlier Gang Rape Left Survivor Critically Injured
The woman was allegedly gang-raped by five men on June 11 after stepping outside her house at night. According to her complaint, the attackers allegedly restrained and gagged her before taking her to an isolated location and sexually assaulting her.
The severity of the assault became apparent during subsequent medical examinations. Doctors reportedly recovered a live cartridge, pebbles and a piece of wood from her private parts during surgery after she complained of persistent pain.
Four of the five accused in the original gang-rape case have been arrested, while the fifth remains absconding.
One Arrested in Fresh Attack
Begusarai police confirmed the arrest of Bhongal Kumar in connection with the latest incident. A search is underway for the second suspect.
Police officials have stated that the investigation is continuing and that efforts are being made to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack. The family has also raised concerns over the alleged failure to act on earlier complaints of threats and intimidation.
Questions Over Survivor's Safety
The latest attack has renewed concerns about the safety of sexual assault survivors and their families, particularly when criminal proceedings are ongoing. The case has also brought attention to the importance of witness protection, timely police intervention and preventing intimidation of victims.
As investigations continue, the central questions remain: Who was behind the latest attack, why were repeated threats allegedly ignored, and what steps will ensure the survivor and her family remain safe?