Woman stripped, assaulted in Bihar, CM orders probe

A middle-aged woman was stripped and assaulted in public in Bihar's Jehanabad district for allegedly kidnapping two men whose bodies were found later, police said. The opposition termed the incident "return of jungle raj", while Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Thursday ordered a probe.

Police said Sangita Devi, in her 40s, was stripped and assaulted Wednesday night for allegedly kidnapping the two men, who were involved in a land deal with her in Nizamuddinpur village, 50 km from Patna.

The bodies of the two men were found Thursday near Sigouri in Patna, police said.

Officials said some people barged into the woman's house and forced her out. They vandalised her house and then stripped and beat her up in the presence of other villagers.

The woman sustained severe injuries and was admitted to hospital, a district police official said.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and Left parties Thursday demanded action against the accused in the case.

"Bihar is returning to 'jungle raj' if this incident is any indication," said Leader of Opposition Nand Kishore Yadav.

Manjhi ordered a probe into the incident after the issue was raised in the state assembly.

"I have ordered an inquiry into it. The government will act against the accused," Manjhi told reporters here.

Bihar Women's Commission chairperson Anjum Aara condemned the incident and called for stringent action against those involved in it. She met the woman to inquire about the incident.

Former chief minister Rabri Devi also demanded tough action action against the culprits.