A shocking case of rape in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, has led to the detention of an autorickshaw driver, with five others being questioned by the police. The victim, a girl believed to be around 12 years old, was found bleeding on a street under the Mahakal police station area on Monday. An autorickshaw driver identified as Bharat Soni, hailing from Nanakheda in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain, attempted to flee from police custody during spot verification by the Ujjain Police.
"In the process of recreating the crime scene, the accused, Bharat Soni, tried to run away. This led to a physical altercation during which he sustained injuries, and some of our police officials also got injured," said SP Sharma. “Necessary action is being taken in the case.”
Soni, who has been implicated in the Ujjain minor rape case, made his bid for freedom while accompanying law enforcement officers for on-site investigation.
Authorities had initially taken Soni into custody based on evidence from CCTV footage, and another autorickshaw driver was also apprehended in connection with the rape case, with both arrests stemming from CCTV leads.
Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma confirmed that a total of five individuals were undergoing questioning in connection with the Ujjain minor rape case, underscoring the extensive efforts being undertaken by law enforcement to bring justice to the victim.
CM assures 'stringent' action
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has vowed to ensure severe punishment for the perpetrator involved in the heinous rape case of a 12-year-old minor from Ujjain. Despite circulating reports claiming that the alleged rapist had been killed in an encounter, these reports have been debunked, with official sources confirming that he is merely injured.
Victim's condition critical
Authorities have reported that the police discovered bloodstains on the passenger seat of the detained autorickshaw, which raised suspicions further. The minor rape victim has undergone initial medical examinations, confirming that she had been sexually assaulted. Her condition remains critical but stable after undergoing surgery by a team of specialist doctors in Indore on Wednesday.
The identity of the victim remains uncertain as she was unable to provide her name, age, or address to the police. A counsellor who interacted with the victim indicated that she belongs to Satna district, but confirmation awaits her family's identification. A missing person's report was filed in Satna regarding a girl of similar age and description, adding to the concerns.
Ujjain SP Sachin Sharma stated that the autorickshaw driver's detention was based on video footage evidence. He also confirmed that five others are currently being questioned in connection with the case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting further investigations into the incident.
In response to the incident, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the Madhya Pradesh government, alleging that girls, women, tribals, and Dalits are not safe under the BJP's rule. The incident has sparked public outrage, leading to the formation of an SIT to investigate the crime by Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra.
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