Minor Student Murdered in Bihar Hostel: Canteen Guard Arrested

Incident Overview

A tragic incident involving the murder and sexual assault of a minor student occurred at a private hostel in Jehanabad district, Bihar. Police announced on Friday that they arrested a canteen guard in connection with the crime, who reportedly confessed to the charges during interrogation.

Superintendent of Police Aparajit Lohan revealed that the investigation began after the incident was reported on April 6, leading to protests from local residents who blocked a national highway in response to the tragedy.

Protests Erupt Following Incident

Following the announcement of the student’s death, villagers expressed their outrage by obstructing National Highway-22. Police, led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), arrived to disperse the demonstrators and restore order. The body of the victim was subsequently sent to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for a postmortem examination.

Legal Proceedings Initiated

A First Information Report (FIR) was filed based on a complaint from the victim’s father. The FIR includes charges pertaining to rape and murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. In addition to the canteen guard, the FIR also names the hostel operator and other unidentified individuals as suspects.

SP Lohan confirmed that the hostel operator had already been arrested and placed in judicial custody. To further investigate the case, a special investigation team (SIT) was established, led by the Additional Superintendent of Police and SDPO (Sadar).

Details of the Arrest

During the investigation, Mukesh Kumar, a 46-year-old canteen guard at the hostel, emerged as a prime suspect. Initial denials were followed by a confession after the police utilized forensic examinations, leading to new technical evidence against him.

Police reports indicated that the suspect was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. He allegedly claimed to have observed the children while they moved through the toilet area in the middle of the night.

Background of the Suspect

Further interrogation revealed that Kumar lived alone, had no children, and was previously reported to exhibit erratic behavior. Investigators noted that children at the hostel had allegedly ridiculed him by calling him “impotent,” contributing to his feelings of humiliation and anger towards both the students and hostel management.

SP Lohan mentioned that Kumar had made threats against the hostel’s founder, expressing intent to harm the institution’s reputation and operations.

Forensic Evidence and Confirmation of Crime

Preliminary forensic analysis revealed bloodstains on a pillow cover belonging to the accused, as well as blood found in a pipe leading from the hostel kitchen. Additionally, CCTV footage showed questionable behavior from Kumar, who was seen moving suspiciously between different floors of the building.

According to the postmortem findings from a medical board, the victim had sustained injuries consistent with sexual assault and murder. Police have indicated they are working towards filing a chargesheet promptly to ensure a fast-tracked trial.

Government Response

In the wake of this horrific incident, the Jehanabad District Magistrate has ordered inspections of private hostels across the district, aiming to enhance safety and oversight in such establishments.

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