Patna: An armed man raped a widow at Kanhaipur village of Mokama under Barh sub-division in rural Patna late on Tuesday night, allegedly to settle a score.

Shyam Sundar Yadav, a known criminal of the diara (riverine) area, entered the woman's house on Tuesday night along with an accomplice and raped her.

The criminals also tried to modesty the woman's daughter and daughter-in-law.

Shyam has several cases of loot and dacoity against him and was released from jail only a few months ago. As he had a financial dispute with the widow's family members, he entered her house when no male member was present - to settle the score. He and his accomplice also looted household items.

The widow has lodged an FIR at the Mokama police station.

"Based on the widow's complaint, the police have lodged an FIR against Shyam Sundar Yadav and a few others on charges of rape, attempt to rape and loot," Barh deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Manoj Tiwari said.

In her complaint, the woman said that she, her daughter, daughter-in law and her 14-year-old son were alone at home when Shyam entered the house around 2am with an accomplice.

"After entering, he began beating up the widow and later raped her. He also tried to outrage the modesty of the widow's daughter and her daughter-in-law," said a Mokama police station officer who is looking after the investigation.

Tiwari said the police conducted a medical test on the widow at Barh sub-divisional hospital, the report of which is yet to be received.

Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Manu Maharaaj has directed Barh and Mokama police to arrest Shyam.

"A joint Barh and Mokama police team is conducting raids in the Diara area but Shyam is yet to be nabbed," said a Mokama police officer who spoke under cover of anonymity.

The police are also conducting raids in Mokama, Barh and Pandarak areas.

On Wednesday, a large number of women blocked National Highway 31 demanding immediate arrest of the accused.