An opposition and women's rights activists' uproar over the alleged stripping and assault of a woman by a group of men here has prompted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to order an inquiry into the incident.

According to official sources, Nitish ordered state police chief DN Gautam to undertake the probe on Thursday night although the police headquarters had already asked Inspector General (Patna zone) Sunil Kumar to look into the incident.

On Thursday evening, a group of men had allegedly abused, assaulted and then stripped a young woman in full public view at a busy road here.

A police team was reportedly present at the site and watched the attack on the woman for nearly an hour before taking the culprits to the police station.

Assistant Sub-inspector Shiv Nath Singh, who was in charge of patrolling the area, has been suspended for not helping the woman in time, police said.

The woman, a resident of Jesidih in Jharkhand, was lured by Rakesh Kumar to Patna with a promise of job.

Soon after she came here, Rakesh forced her to have sex with his friends. She ran away from the hotel where she had been staying with him for the last few days. However, Rakesh and his friends caught up with her and attacked her.

Police have arrested Rakesh, who is said to be involved in the flesh trade.

"Police have lodged a case against Rakesh and others on the basis of the statement of the woman," an official said.

The state women's commission has asked Patna Senior Superintendent of Police to submit a report on the incident.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad condemned the incident and said that it shows that no government existed in the state.