Muzaffarpur police begin probe after woman alleges trafficking, sexual assault

Patna: A video of a 28-year-old woman, narrating her alleged ordeal of trafficking and sexual assaults, has gone viral, prompting a police inquiry in Muzaffarpur district.In the viral clip, the woman alleges that her husband deserted her due to unmet dowry demands and later sold her to an orchestra group. She further claims she was forced into physical relations by several men. However, police said her statements have been inconsistent and no formal complaint has been lodged so far.Talking to mediapersons on Thursday, Town SHO Rohan Kumar said the woman told police that she met one Rishi Yadav on Tuesday, who allegedly took her on the pretext of visiting a fair. “Instead, she was taken to a deserted field, where she was allegedly raped. She later managed to escape from there and reached Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in an autorickshaw,” the SHO said, adding the investigation is underway based on the viral video.According to the SHO, the woman was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night and was unable to speak. Next morning, she was taken home, but continued to give varying statements. “We are verifying all aspects of the case, but the woman’s father has declined to file a complaint,” he said.Police said that in the video, the woman claimed she was married to one Happy Kumar, who left her about a year ago after his demands for Rs 50,000 and a motorcycle were not met. She alleged that she was later sold to an orchestra group, from which she escaped after three days, returned to her home and started living with her parents.