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A harrowing incident unfolded in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday, September 11, when two Army officers and their two female friends were brutally attacked during a picnic. The incident, which involved armed assailants, resulted in the gang-rape of one of the women, sparking outrage and political controversy. The incident underscores the pressing issue of women's safety in India, particularly in the state of Madhya Pradesh, which has been under BJP rule for several years. The attack highlights the vulnerability of individuals, even those in positions of authority like Army officers, and the need for robust security measures to protect citizens.
According to the police report, the two officers, both holding the rank of Major, were undergoing training at the Army War College in Mhow Cantonment. They decided to spend a day out with their friends in the Jam Gate area. Their peaceful picnic took a sinister turn when six men armed with pistols, knives, and sticks ambushed them. The assailants not only assaulted the officers and their friends but also robbed them of their valuables and wallets. The attackers then took one officer and one woman hostage, demanding a ransom of Rs 10 lakh. The other officer and woman were released to collect the ransom. The released officer, understanding the gravity of the situation, immediately contacted his Commanding Officer, who in turn alerted the police.
Upon receiving the distress call, the police rushed to the scene, forcing the attackers to flee. All four victims were taken to Mhow Civil Hospital for medical examination. The medical report confirmed that one of the women had been gang-raped. Based on the evidence gathered, the police registered a case under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including robbery, dacoity, rape, and the Arms Act. Two suspects were immediately apprehended, while ten police teams were deployed to track down the remaining perpetrators. While the police have vowed to bring the culprits to justice, the incident has ignited widespread anger and condemnation across the country.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, particularly from the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress president, took to social media to express his outrage, declaring that law and order do not exist in BJP-ruled states. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress general secretary, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had failed to ensure the safety of women in the country. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati and former MP Chief Minister Kamal Nath echoed similar sentiments, expressing deep concern about the diminishing fear of the law in the minds of criminals. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by gender-based violence and the urgent need for stricter law enforcement and comprehensive measures to protect women and ensure their safety.