Patna: Two sisters were allegedly gang-raped after being called to perform at a ‘tilak’ ceremony in Patna district. Police have arrested one of the named accused, Suraj Kumar, while raids are underway to nab the remaining suspects.An FIR has been registered against 13 people, including three named accused.The rape survivors, natives of Jharkhand’s Latehar district, currently live in a rented accommodation in Patna and earn their livelihood by performing at social events. According to their complaint, they were booked for a dance performance on June 18 by a man.The sisters alleged that instead of being taken to the venue, they were forcibly transported to an isolated location by a group of men. They claimed they were held captive throughout the night, taken to different places, and repeatedly sexually assaulted. The women further alleged that they were beaten and threatened with dire consequences when they resisted.According to the complaint, the accused were taking the women back the next morning when in the Phulwarisharif area they started shouting for help, drawing the attention of local residents. An emergency police response team quickly arrived at the spot, rescued the women.Based on the survivors’ statements, police registered a case against Munna Kumar, Suraj, Bhanu Kumar and several other unidentified persons. Investigators have arrested Suraj and are questioning him in connection with the case. Special teams have been formed to trace and arrest the remaining accused.Medical examinations of both survivors and the arrested accused were conducted on Saturday. Police have also collected forensic and technical evidence to support the investigation.Phulwarisharif SDPO-II, Deepak Kumar said all aspects of the allegations are being thoroughly examined. “Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” he said.
