Unusual Dog Barking Alerts Family to Tragic Discovery in Darbhanga
In a harrowing incident that has shaken Bihar's Darbhanga district, a six-year-old girl was found allegedly raped and murdered on Saturday night. The accused, identified as 22-year-old Vikas Mahto, has been arrested by local authorities, but the event has ignited widespread public anger and protests across the region.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to local sources, the tragedy came to light late at night when the girl's family, who had been frantically searching for her since evening, was alerted by the sound of dogs barking unusually in their locality. Upon investigating, they discovered the child lying in a pool of blood near a wall. Police were immediately informed and rushed to the scene.
The body was swiftly sent to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) for a postmortem examination. A forensic science laboratory (FSL) team was also called to collect crucial evidence from the area, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
Police sources revealed that the young victim had gone out in the evening to play near a pond with other children. The girls who were playing with her later informed authorities that Vikas Mahto allegedly dragged the victim into a dark, secluded area. CCTV footage from the vicinity was examined, and the other children positively identified the accused, leading to his prompt arrest.
Darbhanga District Magistrate Kaushal Kumar confirmed the arrest, stating, "We received information at night that the body of a six-year-old girl had been found, following which an investigation was conducted. It was a case of rape and murder, and the accused was arrested during the night itself." He described the crime as "extremely inhuman" and emphasized that the administration is taking all necessary steps to ensure swift justice.
Public Outrage and Police Response
Following the incident, tensions escalated dramatically in the area on Sunday. Angry residents blocked roads, burned tyres, and engaged in stone-pelting, prompting police to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Heated exchanges occurred between law enforcement and protesters before the situation was brought under control.
District Magistrate Kumar addressed the law-and-order issues, noting that they were "effectively controlled" through strategic police deployment. He assured that the situation is now peaceful, with adequate police presence maintained across sensitive locations. "The situation is currently normal, with adequate police presence maintained across the area," he added.
Administrative Measures and Legal Proceedings
In response to the heinous crime, the administration has constituted a medical board at DMCH to conduct the postmortem examination. Kumar announced plans to request the district judge for a speedy trial with day-to-day hearings, aiming for a conviction within the next two months. "This is a very heinous crime, and we will request the district judge to place the case under a speedy trial with day-to-day hearings so that a conviction can be ensured within the next two months," he stated.
He further disclosed that magistrates have been deployed at sensitive locations, additional police forces are on the ground, and the administration is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further disturbances. An FIR has been registered, and a chargesheet will be filed at the earliest.
Background of the Accused
According to initial investigations, the accused, Vikas Mahto, has no known criminal history. "As per the investigation so far, the accused does not have any criminal antecedents. He worked as a labourer," Kumar said. The district administration is committed to ensuring that all witnesses and evidence are examined promptly to facilitate a swift conclusion to the case.
This tragic event underscores ongoing concerns about child safety and justice in the region, as the community grapples with the aftermath and calls for accountability.
