The accused, 22-year-old Vikas Mahto, has been arrested.

According to a local source, the incident came to light late at night when the girl’s family, who had been searching for her since evening, was alerted by the sound of dogs barking unusually in the locality. The girl was purportedly found lying in a pool of blood near a wall, after which police were immediately informed.

Police reached the spot and sent the body to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) for postmortem. A forensic science laboratory (FSL) team was called to collect evidence from the scene.

According to police sources, the child had gone out in the evening to play near a pond with other children. The girls playing with her later told police that Vikas Mahto allegedly dragged the victim into a dark area. CCTV footage from the area was examined, and the other children identified the accused, following which he was taken into custody, officials said.

Roads blocked, tyres burnt

Following the incident, tensions escalated in the area on Sunday, with angry residents blocking roads and burning tyres in protest. Stone-pelting was also reported, prompting police to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Heated exchanges took place between police and protesters before the situation was brought under control.

Darbhanga District Magistrate Kaushal Kumar confirmed the arrest and said the administration was taking all necessary steps to ensure swift justice. “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 said.

Calling the crime “extremely inhuman”, the DM said the family members were present at the police station, and that discussions had been held with them. He said law-and-order issues that arose in the morning were “effectively controlled” through police deployment, adding that the situation was now peaceful.

“The body has been sent for postmortem examination. 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,” Kumar said.

He also said that magistrates had been deployed at sensitive locations, additional police forces were on the ground, and the administration was closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further disturbances. A medical board has been constituted at DMCH to conduct the postmortem examination, he said.

“The situation is currently normal, with adequate police presence maintained across the area,” Kumar said.

He further said that the accused had no known criminal history. “As per the investigation so far, the accused does not have any criminal antecedents. He worked as a labourer,” he said, adding that an FIR had been registered and a chargesheet would be filed at the earliest.

The district administration, he said, would make efforts to ensure that all witnesses and evidence are examined promptly so that the case reaches its conclusion within the next two months.

Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance. Professional Expertise & Credentials An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment. Specialized Beats Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues: Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact. Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors. Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues. Personal Interests & Digital Literacy Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. … Read More

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