Brutal Gang Rape in Jodhpur Shocks the Nation
A horrifying incident of gang rape unfolded in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, as a 17-year-old Dalit girl, who had eloped with her boyfriend, was allegedly assaulted and raped by three college students in front of him. The accused, identified as Samandar Singh Bhati, Dharm Pal Singh, and Bhattam Singh (aged 20-22), brutally beat the victim’s boyfriend before taking turns to rape the young girl. The police arrested the culprits shortly after the incident, and they were traced to a house in Ganeshpura near Ratanada in Jodhpur. However, two of the accused suffered fractured legs in an attempt to escape.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), Amrita Duhan, revealed that the girl and her boyfriend had arrived in Jodhpur after eloping from Ajmer. However, when they sought a room at a guest house, they had to leave due to misbehavior by the caretaker. It was then that the three accused of the rape approached them at Paota Chauraha, offering them food and drinks and befriending them. The trio falsely assured the couple of help and later led them to the hockey ground at the old campus of Jai Narayan Vyas University (JNVU) on the pretext of guiding them to the railway station. Once there, they subjected the girl to a horrific gang rape while keeping the boyfriend hostage.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest of Accused
As the sun rose and morning walkers arrived at the campus, the assailants fled the scene. The rape victim’s boyfriend sought help from the walkers, leading to the police being informed. A swift police operation ensued, and the accused were soon apprehended with the help of a dog squad and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team. While attempting to escape, two of the accused sustained broken legs, and the third sustained a hand injury.
The accused, identified as college students Samandar Singh, Dharm Pal Singh, and Bhattam Singh, have been taken into custody. The police have also arrested the guest house caretaker responsible for misbehaving with the girl, adding another dimension to the incident.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, expressed serious concern over the incident. Gehlot applauded the police for their swift action in apprehending the culprits and vowed to ensure that the accused receive the harshest punishment possible. Gehlot’s response reflected the government’s commitment to deliver justice for the victim and hold those responsible for the horrific crime accountable.
Outrage and Demands for Justice from Government and Student Groups
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for stricter measures to protect women’s safety. The ABVP, whose members were allegedly involved, denied any association with the accused. However, Chief Minister Gehlot expressed concern over similar incidents involving BJP-affiliated individuals in other areas.
The incident, referred to as a “blot on humanity” by the Congress-affiliated National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) president Abhishek Choudhary, has prompted the student group to seek action against the ABVP and its ideology. Congress leaders, including Archana Sharma, the Social Welfare Board chairperson, praised the police’s prompt action, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring women’s safety.
The tragic incident has shone a harsh spotlight on the need for better safety measures and stricter punishment for such heinous crimes. The nation now awaits the judicial process to ensure that justice is served and to prevent such atrocities from recurring in the future. As the wheels of justice turn, it is incumbent upon lawmakers and law enforcement to implement comprehensive reforms that protect vulnerable individuals and instill a sense of security within communities. Only through collective efforts and a steadfast commitment to eradicate such heinous acts can we build a society where every individual, regardless of gender or background, can live with dignity and safety.
