A Dalit woman reported as 19 or 20 years old was allegedly gang-raped by multiple men in a forest near Churhat, Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh. Her male companion was assaulted and left unconscious. Three suspects have been detained, with a search underway for the remaining perpetrators. Legal action has been initiated under the Indian Penal Code and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
WHO
- Victim: A Dalit woman, aged between 19 and 20, identity withheld as per law.
- Companion: Her male friend/fiancé, who was beaten unconscious during the attack.
- Accused: Four to five men allegedly involved. Three suspects have been arrested, others remain absconding.
- Authorities: Sidhi district police, under Churhat jurisdiction, with senior officers including ASP Arvind Srivastava involved.
- Political Response: Congress has criticized the BJP government, citing broader concerns over violence against Dalit and tribal women.
WHAT
- The woman was allegedly gang-raped by multiple men while her companion was assaulted and restrained.
- The attackers allegedly stole their mobile phones and issued threats.
- A case has been registered under relevant IPC sections and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
WHEN
- Incident Date: Early August 2025; reported in media on August 6–7, 2025.
- Timeline:
- The assault occurred during a forest walk.
- Around 2:30 p.m., the survivor reached a construction site to seek help.
- Police action and medical examination followed immediately.
WHERE
- Location: Forested area near Churhat, Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Post-incident: Survivor reached a nearby construction site, then Semaria police station, followed by a community health centre.
- Police Search: Five teams deployed across Sidhi and neighbouring areas to trace absconding suspects.
WHY
- Motive: Not officially disclosed; investigation ongoing.
- Context: Madhya Pradesh has recorded 7,418 rape cases against Dalit and tribal women over the last three years, including 338 gang-rapes and 558 murders.
- Political Standpoint: Opposition parties highlight systemic safety failures.
HOW
- Couple parked their motorcycle and entered a forest path.
- Four to five men allegedly attacked them, beating the man unconscious and restraining him.
- The woman was allegedly gang-raped.
- Attackers reportedly took their phones and threatened them.
- Survivor escaped, reached a construction site at 2:30 p.m., and alerted locals.
- Police registered the FIR, collected evidence, and began the manhunt.
Legal & Societal Repercussions
- Charges: IPC sections for rape, assault, robbery; SC/ST Act provisions applied.
- Policy Concerns: Renewed calls for stronger protection of marginalized women.
- Public Reaction: Widespread outrage and demand for swift justice.
India | Madhya Pradesh