Two rape incidents in Bihar’s East Champaran district led to public outrage and protests on Thursday.

In one incident, a 21-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped, according to a police complaint. She was also paraded and beaten up by the perpetrators, the complaint said.

Accused arrested

In the other incident, a 12-year-old girl was raped by two men in a mango orchard. She is said to be in a critical condition. The two accused have been arrested.

Protesting against the crimes, local residents blocked traffic on National Highway 28 and demanded speedy trial in the cases.

The first incident came to light when the woman was admitted to a hospital in Motihari on Wednesday. In her police complaint, the victim said Samiullah had earlier raped her, made a video of it and was blackmailing her. On June 13, Samiullah again tried to rape her but she slashed him with a blade. Samiullah and others attacked her on June 15 and gang-raped her, the victim said.

The victim’s mother lodged an FIR against six persons.

FIR against 6 persons

“She has named Samiullah, Oliullah alias Chotan, Kalimullah, Jabiullah and Nurullah and their father Sheikh Gyas Ahmad. All the accused are absconding and the police are conducting raids to arrest them,” said Subodh Kumar Singh, an official at the Ramgarhwa police station.

Samiullah too filed a case against the woman for attacking him with a blade.

In the other incident, the girl was raped by two persons on June 15 at a village under the Pipra police station. The incident happened when the girl had gone to collect mangoes from an orchard.

Shifted to Patna

The victim was admitted to the local government hospital at Motihari. As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to the Patna Medical College and Hospital. “Two accused, Pramod Sahni and Kamlesh Sahni, have been arrested and we will ensure speedy trial in the case,” said Mundrika Prasad, Deputy Superintendent of Police.