In a shelter home run by an NGO in Muzzafarnagar, Bihar, it is reported that 40 girls were raped with one said to have been beaten to death and buried somewhere. Around 20 medical exams were conducted that showed that 16 women were confirmed to have been raped, while the other girls’ reports are yet to be finished.

Here’s what Senior police officer in Muzaffarpur, Harpreet Kaur, said: “The total number of people arrested in the case has now reached 10. We are on the lookout for people absconding.”

According to The Tribune, the matter came to light after a social audit report of the TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) claimed that 42 girl inmates of the Muzaffarpur Balika Grih had allegedly been sexually assaulted. The inmates were allegedly beaten up or drugged before being sexually abused.

So far, the survivors are under medical observation at various hospitals.

When it comes to rape and safety, a 2017 report by Global Peace Index claims India to be the fourth most dangerous country for women travellers. Gender Vulnerability Index 2017 compiled by Ministry of Women and Child Development found Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand to be the bottom four in terms of safety. The data highlight the urgent need to ensure proper law and order situation in the country.