Tension gripped parts of Bihar’s Darbhanga district following the rape and murder of a six-year-old girl, with large-scale violence erupting in protest over the incident. Police have registered an FIR against 30 named and around 200 unidentified persons in connection with stone-pelting and attacks on police personnel during the unrest.

According to police officials, the FIR was lodged at the University Police Station on the statement of the station in-charge. Investigators are identifying those involved in the violence using CCTV footage from the area.

Incident and discovery of the body

The crime took place on Saturday night when the accused, identified as Vikas Mahto, allegedly took the minor girl from near a pond where she was playing with other children. As the accused was known to the family, no immediate suspicion was raised.

When the child failed to return home late into the night, family members and local residents began searching. Her body was later found near the pond after locals noticed dogs barking continuously in the area.

Profile of the accused

Police said the prime accused works as a tempo driver and is suspected to be a drug addict. Investigators revealed that his three wives had left him, and he currently resides with his parents. The accused has been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway.

Violence and police action

Following news of the murder on Sunday morning, angry residents blocked roads near Bela More and demanded immediate action. The protest turned violent, with stone-pelting reported and several vehicles damaged.

District Magistrate Kaushal Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jagunath Reddy reached the spot to control the situation. Police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Police assure swift justice

Darbhanga SSP Jagunath Reddy said the situation is now completely under control and normalcy has been restored. The victim’s last rites have been performed.

Police arrested six named accused during late-night raids on Sunday. Authorities said a charge sheet would be filed promptly after the post-mortem report is received.

“We will request the court for a speedy trial so that the accused receive the strictest punishment at the earliest,” the SSP said.

University Police Station SHO Sudhir Kumar said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest remaining suspects involved in the violence, with CCTV footage playing a key role in the investigation.