Pooja Kumari Ram, an 18-year-old Dalit girl from Haripur Ramtol, Surunga-7, Saptari, was found dead on Tuesday at Teengachhiya, about one kilometer from her home, after going missing the previous night. Her mother filed a complaint alleging murder, and police initiated an investigation. Preliminary findings suggested homicide, though the post-mortem report was pending at the time.
In 2021, Pooja had survived an attempted rape by a local boy while returning from school. A case was registered, and the accused, a minor, was later sentenced under the Children’s Act, 2075, to eight months’ imprisonment, fined, and ordered to provide compensation. Following the verdict, the accused went absconding. Due to ongoing fear and lack of protection, Pooja discontinued her education, having been enrolled in Grade 10 at the time.
