Begusarai: Four months after a brutal gang rape left her battling for life, a 28-year-old woman in Begusarai was allegedly dragged to the roof of her house and thrown off, with the attack exposing the family’s ordeal and her husband on Wednesday alleging that criminals had been threatening them repeatedly to withdraw the rape case.The family of the woman, who sustained serious injuries in the attack late on Monday, alleged that they had been living in constant fear since the June 11 gang rape, as threats of dire consequences continued even after four accused were arrested, but a main accused is still at large.Police on Wednesday arrested the latest attacker and were looking for others. “We have arrested the accused, Bhongal Mahto today in the case, and a team headed by SDPO-2 is further investigating the case,” Begusarai SP Manish said.Police said Mahto was not part of the five accused that gang-raped the woman, but could belong to a criminal gang, intimidating the family at the behest of the accused.Recounting Monday night’s incident, her husband said the attackers first locked the house of his wife’s brother, located next to theirs, from outside. When his wife stepped out to open the door, they allegedly dragged her to the roof and threw her down. The assailants also demanded that she hand over the money she had received as ex gratia from the district administration.The latest attack has brought back the horrific details of the June 11 assault. The woman had to undergo surgery to remove a live cartridge, along with pieces of pebbles and wood, from her private parts after she complained of persistent pain. The accused had allegedly also inflicted serious injuries on her body with a sharp weapon during the assault.The SP said speedy trial in the gang rape case was underway and that the property of the fifth accused had been attached two months ago. “However, he is yet to surrender. Police have intensified efforts to arrest him,” he said.Five persons were named as accused in the gang rape case. While four have been arrested, the fifth remains absconding, leaving the family anxious as it continues to seek justice and protection.
