Patna, July 6: A minor in Bihar's Saran district was sexually assaulted multiple times over the past eight months. The victim, a Class 9 student of a private school in Parsagarh village, alleged she was first gangraped by three of her classmates who also filmed the act. The clip was later used to blackmail her for sex over by 15 other accused, including the school principal, two teachers and school mates.

Saran police on Friday arrested the school principal, identified as Uday Kumar alias Mukund Singh. Along with the headmaster, teacher Balaji and two minor students were also held.

The police action came after the victim approached Superintendent of Police Har Kishore Rai. While speaking to reporters, Rai said the girl kept quiet over the past eight months fearing social stigma and ostracisation.

Immediately after approaching the top police officer, the victim was sent to the hospital for medical examination. An FIR was registered which includes the names of all 18 alleged perpetrators.

The SP claimed the girl had approached the principal a few months back seeking help. Instead of alerting the police, Rai said, the principal asked the girl to maintain silence as it would bring disrepute to her family and the school.

A few days later, the girl was called by the principal to his chambers and sexually assaulted by him, the SP added.

While four among the 18 accused have been arrested, the police said an operation has been launched to apprehend others named by the victim.

Data reveals a spurt in the cases of molestation and sexual assault against women and minor in Bihar. In the first three months of 2018, 127 cases of rape have been registered, as per the government records.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2018 09:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).