KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant development in the Turki rape case in Muzaffarpur, the main accused Mukesh Rai, who was absconding since early May, surrendered to the police on Thursday. His surrender came moments after local police, armed with a bulldozer, began demolishing parts of his illegally constructed property and initiated property seizure under court orders.

The case, which involves the abduction and rape of a minor girl, had sparked widespread outrage in the region, prompting strong statements from Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, who gave law enforcement “free hand” to take strict action.

 Timeline of Events: From Crime to Surrender

 May 3, 2025

• Mukesh Rai allegedly abducted an eighth-grade girl from a village under Turki police station limits.

• He reportedly raped the minor and left her at home after the assault.

• The Turki police station failed to act, leading to suspension of the concerned Station House Officer (SHO).

 May 4 – June 5

• Mukesh Rai remained absconding.

• Multiple raids were conducted, with speculation that he may have fled to Nepal.

• On June 5, Muzaffarpur police moved court seeking property attachment under CrPC Section 82 and 83.

 June 6, 2025

• Police, equipped with court orders and a bulldozer, reached the accused’s home and began demolition of an illegally built dhaba (roadside eatery) on National Highway (NH) land.

• Within hours, the accused surrendered, and police took him into custody.

 Bulldozer Action: Police Seize Property, Demolish Encroached Dhaba

The action involved:

• Breaking the gates of the accused’s house.

• Seizing furniture and appliances under the property attachment order.

• Demolishing a portion of the accused’s eatery, which was built illegally on national highway land.

According to local officials, the dhaba was not registered, had no land ownership records, and was a known gathering point for anti-social elements.

 Legal Ground for Police Action: CrPC Section 82 and 83

The property seizure and demolition were carried out under provisions of:

• Section 82 CrPC: Issuance of a proclamation for the accused to appear before court.

• Section 83 CrPC: Attachment of property if the accused fails to appear.

These sections empower the police to:

• Publicly declare the accused as absconding.

• Seize movable and immovable property.

• Initiate legal demolition if the property is unlawfully constructed.

 Turki SHO Suspended for Delay in FIR Registration

In an embarrassing development for local law enforcement, the Turki SHO was suspended by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for failing to register an FIR in time and for negligence in handling the case.

The survivor’s family had to eventually file the case at the Women’s Police Station, where an FIR was registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and IPC Sections 376 (rape), 363 (kidnapping) and others.

 Deputy CM Gives “Free Hand” to Police for Strict Action

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, who also holds charge of Muzaffarpur district, visited the families of victims involved in two separate rape cases, including:

• A nine-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in Kudhani block.

• The 11-year-old girl assaulted by Mukesh Rai.

During his visit, Sinha publicly stated:

“Police are free to take any necessary action — from bulldozer demolitions to encounters — against such criminals. The government will not tolerate crimes against women and children.”

He met grieving families, promised speedy trials, and accountability for police failures.

 What Happens Next: Legal Proceedings to Follow

With Mukesh Rai now in custody, the following steps are expected:

1. Formal arrest memo and chargesheet preparation.

2. Medical and psychological examination of the survivor (already done).

3. Presentation of accused before Magistrate and possible judicial custody.

4. Fast-track trial under POCSO Act, if recommended by the prosecution.

5. Investigation into property ownership and encroachment.

 Public Reaction and Political Significance

The case has:

• Sparked protests and demands for stronger women’s safety measures.

• Put a spotlight on police accountability and justice delivery in semi-urban Bihar.

• Become a political talking point ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly session.

Local residents have appreciated the swift administrative action, but activists have called for:

• Permanent police reforms.

• Gender-sensitization training for rural police stations.

• Victim compensation and counseling services.

 Illegal Construction Crackdown: A New Tool Against Crime?

This case highlights a growing trend in Bihar and other states:

• Use of demolition drives as a deterrent against criminal behavior.

• Public accountability of absconding criminals through visible punitive action.

• Legal experts warn that while symbolic, such actions must follow due process to avoid misuse or political vendettas.

The surrender of Mukesh Rai after targeted legal and administrative action sends a clear message: absconding from justice will not shield the guilty. With court-backed bulldozer actions and public accountability rising, Bihar’s governance appears to be leaning into zero-tolerance policing, at least in headline cases.

But the larger challenge remains — ensuring that every survivor, regardless of location or media attention, gets swift and fair justice.

KKNLive will continue to track this case as it moves through the judicial process.