Ranchi: Police have registered a rape case after a 19-year-old woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted while returning from a Karma festival gathering in Ranchi district on Tuesday evening.The woman told police that she had gone to an akhada near the house where she was staying to take part in the festivities. On her way back, she was allegedly forced towards an isolated spot by the accused, who then assaulted her. When she raised an alarm, she was beaten and injured, police said.The accused allegedly fled after snatching her silver locket and mobile phone.Police said the FIR was registered on Friday on the basis of the woman’s statement. The family had first approached police on Thursday with a complaint about the stolen mobile phone and returned the next day to report the alleged sexual assault.Investigators said the woman had given varying accounts about the number of people involved, referring at one point to three or four persons and later to a single assailant. Police said the discrepancy was being examined, along with the delay in reporting the alleged crime.SP (rural) Gaurav Goswami said a special investigation team had been formed and people were being questioned. “Police are investigating the case from various angles, including the reason for delay in lodging the complaint,” Goswami said.A police team visited the spot to collect evidence. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from nearby locations to identify the accused and trace movements before and after the incident.Officers said the case was being treated seriously as the alleged assault took place close to the house where she was staying.The incident comes after Ranchi administration reviewed security arrangements for the Karma festival. Deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri had directed police to intensify night patrolling to prevent crimes against devotees, particularly women, returning from gatherings.
