In Bihar’s Saharsa district, a Madarsa teacher named Mohammad Imtiyaz, also known as Chunna is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl multiple times. The victim’s mother filed a complaint against him on October 8. Imtiyaz’s heinous acts were brought to light when the young victim became pregnant. While Imtiyaz has been apprehended, the victim is currently receiving medical care in a hospital following the termination of her pregnancy.
Some members of the Muslim community called for a panchayat to “resolve” the situation. The victim’s mother asserted that Imtiyaz had threatened the girl with harm if she divulged his crimes. She claimed that after she filed a complaint and an FIR was lodged at the Sadar Thana police station, a panchayat was convened, offering the victim Rs 10,000 to withdraw the case.
As per the victim’s mother, individuals named Tariq, Mumtaz, Anjar, Shamsher, Munna, Chhotkan, and others attended the panchayat in an attempt to shield the accused. Tariq is reported to hold the position of Ward Commissioner (Ward Councillor) among these individuals who pressured the victim’s family to “compromise”. Additionally, they suggested that the victim take abortion medication. Notably, an FIR has been filed against the accused under the POCSO Act.
In her complaint, the victim’s mother explained that she and her husband resided in Delhi. They entrusted their daughter to her grandmother’s care so she could attend the madrasa and continue her education. However, Imtiyaz subjected her to months of sexual abuse.
The victim’s grandmother disclosed, “Imtiaz from the madrasa was engaging in inappropriate behaviour with my granddaughter. He would intimidate her into silence, which is why she couldn’t confide in anyone. She began experiencing abdominal pain and had a high fever, so she was prescribed medication. When her condition did not improve, we took her to a private hospital, where we discovered that the madrasa’s Hafiz Mohammad Imtiyaz had been sexually abusing her. Doctors performed a procedure to remove the fetus in order to save the girl’s life.”
