Woman prisoner gang-raped in Bihar

An under-trial woman prisoner was allegedly gang-raped at a government hospital in Bihar, where she had been admitted for treatment, raising doubts over the law and order situation in the state.

Angry opposition lawmakers yesterday created a ruckus in the state assembly over the deteriorating situation, demanding imposition of President’s rule in Bihar.

The report said the woman, lodged in Sitamarhi jail in connection with a kidnapping case, was admitted to the local hospital for treatment last month. When her health did not improve, she was moved to the nearby Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital in Muzaffarpur district, on November 11.

There, on the night of November 14, she was allegedly dragged into the washroom by two security guards on duty, who raped her. “I had gone to the toilet when two security guards dragged me into the washroom and gangraped me,” the victim said in her complaint petition.

The incident came to light after the victim was sent back to the Sitamarhi district prison on November 22 after her condition improved. Reports said on reaching the prison, she narrated her horrific ordeal to the jail superintendent.

The incident triggered protests in the Bihar House, with angry opposition lawmakers raging over the government’s failure to check such incidents.