Darbhanga boils after 6-year-old raped and murdered, police lathi-charge on angry protesters

A 6-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Darbhanga district of Bihar, sparking massive unrest with road blockades, arson and clashes with police. The child went missing Saturday evening while playing near her home in the Darbhanga University police station area with two other girls aged 6-8; her blood-soaked body was found near a pond after locals heard dogs barking. Police, led by SSP Jagannath Reddy, arrived with forensic teams; the two surviving girls identified 22-year-old neighbor Vikas Mahto via CCTV footage, leading to his arrest at home with bloodstains on his clothes.

Outraged residents, including women wielding sticks, blocked roads demanding the accused be handed over for instant justice, setting fires and pelting stones at police attempting to clear paths. Videos of the chaos went viral on social media, showing baton charges to restore order after heated arguments escalated. The family alleges Mahto dragged the girl into darkness, assaulted and killed her while the others escaped; her body was sent for post-mortem at Darbhanga Medical College Hospital.​

SSP Jagannath Reddy confirmed the arrest and ongoing probe from all angles, with FSL and cyber cell teams assisting; the situation is now under control after the lathi-charge dispersed the mob. Protesters decried rising crimes against children, calling for strict punishment as the community mourns the brutal loss