BA Student Found Hanged in Supaul, Family Alleges Rape and Murder
A shocking incident has emerged from Supaul district in Bihar, where an 18-year-old BA first-year student was discovered hanging from a tree late on Sunday night. The young woman, who had been residing with her grandmother, had attended a wedding ceremony earlier that day, only to be found dead hours later under suspicious circumstances.
Details of the Tragic Event
According to police reports, a wedding was being celebrated in a neighboring locality on Sunday. The victim, along with other girls, visited the venue during the haldi ceremony to have turmeric applied. Around 6 PM, she excused herself to wash her hands at a nearby hand pump but never returned. Initially, her absence was dismissed as involvement in other preparations, but as time elapsed, concern mounted, prompting a search.
Family members have made grave allegations, stating that villagers witnessed two youths forcibly abducting her near the hand pump. The accused have been identified as Sonu Kumar Pandit and Raushan Kumar Mandal, the latter being a generator owner. It is claimed that the duo covered her mouth, dragged her to a secluded spot near a pond, and allegedly raped her. Fearing capture, they then hanged her body with her dupatta to simulate suicide, according to the family.
Police Investigation and Evidence Collection
Police have swiftly responded to the incident, collecting crucial evidence from the scene. This includes the victim's slippers, along with two other pairs that villagers assert belong to the accused youths. SDPO Vibhash Kumar emphasized that these slippers are being treated as significant evidence in the ongoing investigation.
However, the police have noted that the family has not yet filed a formal written complaint regarding the rape allegation. SDPO Kumar stated, "The student's slippers were found lying at the spot. Shockingly, 2 other pairs of slippers were also recovered from there, which villagers claim belong to the accused youths. Police are considering these slippers as important evidence."
Awaiting Post-Mortem for Confirmation
The exact cause of death remains undetermined, with authorities awaiting the post-mortem report to confirm whether rape occurred. SDPO Kumar added, "The exact cause of death would be determined only after the post-mortem examination. No conclusion can be reached yet. The investigation is being conducted from all angles." This cautious approach underscores the complexity of the case, as police work to piece together the events leading to the tragedy.
The community is reeling from the incident, which highlights ongoing concerns about women's safety in the region. As the investigation progresses, many are calling for swift justice and thorough scrutiny of the allegations to ensure the truth is uncovered.
