Bihar, India: On 10th January 2025, in the Lalunagar village of Bihar, a tragic incident unfolded involving six-year-old Santhusti, the daughter of Pastor Ramashish and Sabitha Devi. The young girl was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted by 32-year-old Vivek Singh, a resident of the nearby Vydhyanadhpur village. Singh belongs to the dominant upper-caste Singh community, known for its affluence and social influence.  

Members of this upper-caste group have historically treated women from lower castes as subhuman, often exploiting them for personal gratification. This deep-seated caste hierarchy has perpetuated generational abuse, particularly targeting women and girls from marginalised communities.

Taking advantage of an empty street, Vivek Singh reportedly lured the innocent child with a piece of chocolate and led her to a nearby field where the assault occurred. The traumatised girl returned home visibly shaken and in tears. Villagers, noticing blood-stained clothing and signs of injury, immediately suspected sexual violence. They called her parents, who were working as daily labourers in nearby fields, and rushed the child to the hospital.

A formal complaint has been filed with the local police, and authorities have initiated an investigation into the crime. The case has sparked outrage among villagers and rights activists, who are demanding immediate arrest and strict legal action against the accused.

Following the brutal assault of six-year-old Santhusti in Lalunagar village, Bihar, efforts were made by members of the upper caste and wealthy community to suppress the case and prevent police involvement. Despite these attempts, a First Information Report (FIR) was successfully registered.

In response, villagers and community leaders from the lower caste, led by Pastor Ramashish, united to demand justice. Demonstrating remarkable courage and solidarity, they organized a peaceful protest, travelling in approximately 15 hired vehicles with a group of 60 to 70 people. The protest took place at the district police station and government offices, drawing attention to the case and applying public pressure.

As a result of these collective efforts, the accused, Vivek Singh, was arrested and is currently in custody at the Navada District Jail in Bihar. However, court proceedings, including case examination and hearings, have not yet commenced.

The victim’s family received crucial emergency assistance from CRRD (Vijayawada, India) and the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), based in London, UK. This support included:

We are grateful to report that £500 was donated directly by the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), London, UK to Pastor Ramashish, the father of six-year-old Santhusti. This generous support has allowed the family to clear their debts, begin to mount a legal challenge for justice, and bring stability back to their household. Today, the entire family is rejoicing in the Lord and regularly attending Sunday worship with joy and gratitude. Recent videos and photographs show little Santhusti smiling once again — a testament to the healing power of compassion and faith.

Santhusti’s parents are deeply moved by the kindness shown by BACA and remain profoundly thankful for the financial and prayer support. However, the journey for justice is still ongoing.

The family is now seeking urgent financial help for the burgeoning legal expenses, including court case costs and advocate fees, to pursue justice not only for their daughter but for the dignity of their entire community.

Due to the trauma and social stigma resulting from the crime, Santhusti’s family have temporarily relocated and now staying with close relatives. This move was made to ensure better safety, medical care, and educational support as Santhusti begins her long road to recovery.

Family Background

Pastor Ramashish comes from a very poor background. He and his wife are the parents of seven children — six daughters and one son. Santhusti is their fifth daughter. His elderly parents are also dependent on him. In addition to serving his local church community, Pastor Ramashish works as a daily wage labourer, both in agricultural fields and in construction, to provide for his large family.

Despite their hardships, this family continues to hold on to their faith and fight for justice with courage.

We humbly request your prayers and compassionate financial support to help cover the legal expenses and court-related costs for Santhusti’s case. Your continued generosity will not only uplift this brave young girl and her family in their pursuit of justice but also send a powerful message of hope to an entire community that has long suffered under the weight of caste-based exploitation and gender-based violence.

We are seeking to raise approximately £2,000 to cover the fees of an experienced prosecution lawyer and other related legal expenses. This support will ensure the family has the best chance of securing justice for their daughter and safeguarding the rights of other vulnerable children in their village.

“In India, the toxic blend of caste discrimination and rising hardline Hindutva has pushed Christians—especially those from Dalit and tribal backgrounds—to the margins of society. They are treated as second-class citizens, often denied justice, dignity, and even basic human rights. In many cases, the very institutions meant to protect them—police, courts, and local authorities—turn a blind eye or are complicit in the injustice. Too often, they deliver biased decisions rooted in hatred, not truth. We cannot stay silent while children are brutalised and their families are left to suffer in fear. We must stand together—across faiths and borders—to demand justice, to uphold human dignity, and to show the world that love is louder than hate.”