According to reports from the Indian Times and other media outlets, on July 24th local time, a female applicant for military police recruitment in Bihar was found unconscious due to heatstroke during a physical test. Upon being transported to a hospital by an ambulance, she was allegedly raped by three to four individuals. The incident has led to severe criticism from the opposition party in Bihar against the legal and orderly conditions under the government of the state.
Indian media reported that the woman, who was participating in the military police recruitment in Gayal district of Bihar, fainted during the physical test and was then transferred to the hospital by an ambulance. It is alleged that she was raped by three to four individuals inside the vehicle. The victim filed a report with the local police the following day. The police quickly initiated an investigation, arresting two suspects—the ambulance driver Vinai Kumar and the technician Ajit Kumar—two hours after receiving the report.
The head of the local police department told the media, “Based on the current investigation by the police, only two people are involved in this case. Despite the victim’s allegation of involvement by three to four individuals, if further investigation reveals more suspects, they will also be arrested.” According to the victim’s account, she regained consciousness while in the ambulance and noticed she had been sexually assaulted. She is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Following the incident, the police immediately established a special investigation team to conduct an inquiry. The local police stated, “The investigation team is reviewing surveillance footage and conducting technical investigations. The investigation is still ongoing.”
The Indian Times reported that the local health department blamed a private institution for the incident. An official from the Gayal district health department said, “The drivers and technicians were not officially employees of the health department. Their hiring was done by a private agency. Therefore, there is no need for disciplinary action against them.” When asked whether background checks were conducted before dispatching these two individuals, the official responded, “This requires the agency to explain.”
Moreover, the incident has sparked intense political reactions.
Indian media reported that Bihar’s opposition leader Tjayashwit Jairam criticized the state government on social media on July 26th. “Should we say this is ‘demonic rule’ in Bihar or cover-up for criminals? Or should Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Kumar be held accountable?” He wrote, “Under the so-called democratic rule of Modi and Kumar, the dignity of mothers, sisters, daughters, and innocent girls is daily being trampled upon. But ministers and deputy ministers dare not speak out against uncontrollable crimes, rape, and corruption.” He further questioned, “If so-called intellectuals and pundits are indifferent to such incidents, then they should be considered as extreme casteists and discriminators.”