Bihar Kathavachak : A troubling case from Bihar has brought renewed attention to crimes committed under the cover of religious influence and false promises. A self-styled religious preacher from the state has been taken into custody after serious allegations involving sexual exploitation of a minor girl surfaced. The incident has not only shocked the local community but has also sparked wider discussions around child safety, misuse of religious authority, and the importance of strict legal action in sensitive cases involving minors.
According to police officials, the accused, Sharan Das, also known as Shravan Thakur, was arrested after an investigation found substance in allegations of sexual assault against a minor. The arrest was made under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, a stringent law designed to safeguard minors from sexual crimes. After being taken into custody, he was presented before a special court constituted to handle POCSO cases. The court ordered that he be sent to judicial custody for 14 days, following which he was lodged in Darbhanga jail.
Legal authorities confirmed that the judicial process is currently underway and that the court will examine evidence, witness statements, and medical reports before proceeding further. The arrest is being seen as a crucial step in ensuring that due process is followed in crimes involving children.
The case was officially registered at a women’s police station based on a complaint submitted by the victim’s mother. As per the complaint, the minor girl alleged that she was sexually assaulted by the accused under the false promise of marriage. The statement further claims that when the girl became pregnant, she was forced to undergo an abortion against her will. These allegations significantly aggravated the seriousness of the case, prompting swift police action.
Investigators stated that such cases often involve psychological manipulation, especially when the accused holds a position of influence. The police emphasized that the survivor’s statement and supporting evidence formed the basis of the First Information Report and the subsequent arrest.
The FIR also names another individual, Ram Udit Das, also known as Mauni, as a co-accused in the case. Authorities confirmed that he is currently absconding, and multiple teams have been deployed to trace his whereabouts. Police believe that his arrest may provide further clarity on the sequence of events and whether there was any broader network involved.
Both accused individuals are residents of Padri village under the Biraul police station area. At the time of the incident, they were reportedly staying at a temple premises located in the Laheriasarai police station jurisdiction, which has raised additional concerns about the misuse of religious spaces for criminal activities.
Court records reveal that Shravan Das had earlier filed an anticipatory bail application before the special POCSO court. The plea was scheduled for a hearing but could not be taken up due to a temporary halt in court proceedings following a condolence meeting organized by the local bar association. After his arrest, the anticipatory bail plea automatically became invalid.
Legal experts noted that the accused may now apply for regular bail, which will be considered by the court strictly on legal merits, the gravity of the offense, and the protection of the survivor. They added that courts generally exercise extreme caution in granting bail in cases involving minors.
The incident has led to strong reactions across religious and social circles in the region. Many community leaders expressed shock and anger, stating that such acts severely damage public trust in religious institutions and spiritual figures. Social activists have called for greater scrutiny of self-proclaimed religious preachers and stricter monitoring of institutions where vulnerable individuals may come into contact with them.
Women’s rights groups and child protection organizations have also demanded fast-track trials and counseling support for the survivor and her family. They emphasized that fear of social stigma often prevents families from coming forward, and cases like this highlight the need for awareness and institutional support.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting minors from exploitation, especially when offenders exploit positions of trust. Law enforcement agencies reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice and urged families to report crimes without hesitation. Experts believe that timely reporting, sensitive investigation, and strict punishment are essential to deter similar crimes in the future.
As the investigation continues, the case remains a stark reminder that safeguarding children requires collective vigilance, legal awareness, and accountability across all sections of society.
