The family of the minor allegedly raped by RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Prasad is against allowing her to write her Class X board examination commencing from March 11.

They fear a visit to the examination centre would reveal her identity to many and make life difficult for her given the social stigma that haunts someone who has been raped.

"The girl's father told us she would not sit for the board examination," Nalanda SP Kumar Ashish said. "The girl feels the same way. We're trying to rid them of the social embarrassment fear."

The family wanted permission for the girl to write her papers from home but it was turned down as it is against exam rules. "We've assured them full care vis-à-vis her security and identity during exams," the SP said. "We've also given them the option of choosing an examination centre but the family remains adamant."

The district administration had earlier provided a tutor and a counsellor to help the girl prepare for the board examination.

Asked about his stand, despite the administration being more than willing to help her, the girl's father said: "I don't want people to know my daughter's identity and taunt her. I also fear for her life, as the MLA is still at large."

Psychologists are not surprised at the response. "Someone who has been raped goes through unbearable physical and mental trauma and it is very difficult to get her out of it," A. K. Singh, a psychologist in Patna, said.

"The girl and her family need to be counselled and taken away from this environment for some time. She needs very good and sensitive sessions."

The girl lived in a rented accommodation in Biharsharif with her siblings, while preparing for her board exams. A neighbour, Sulekha Devi, lured her to Nawada MLA Raj Ballabh's house on the afternoon of February 6. The MLA allegedly raped her the same night. An FIR was lodged at the women's police station in Biharsharif on February 9.

On February 13, DIG (central range) Shalin issued orders to arrest the MLA after the charges were found to be true. Raj Ballabh is since absconding. He moved a court in Biharsharif for bail but the petition was rejected. After that the police attached his movable property. The SP said the police will pray for attachment of his immovable assets too.