Madhya Pradesh is reeling under shock as two brutal rape incidents surfaced in Indore and Rewa, even as nationwide outrage continues over recent sexual violence cases, including the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata and the assault of minors in Badlapur, Maharashtra.
Rewa Case: Couple Attacked, Woman Gang-Raped
In Rewa, a couple visiting a picnic spot near a temple endured a horrifying attack. On October 21, a group of men reportedly assaulted them, tying the husband to a tree and gang-raping the wife. Adding to the horror, the assailants allegedly filmed the assault, threatening to release the footage online if they reported the crime.
The Rewa police promptly filed a case the next day, leading to several arrests. “Our primary concern is to ensure justice for the victims and prevent the spread of the video,” a police spokesperson stated.
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Indore Case: Neurodivergent Woman Assaulted in the ‘Cleanest’ City
In another disturbing case, a neurodivergent woman was sexually assaulted by a daily wage worker in Indore, a city known for its progressive cleanliness initiatives. CCTV footage revealed the woman wandering in a disoriented state, half-naked and injured, in the city’s Sadar Bazaar area at approximately 3:45 am on Tuesday. The footage showed the accused, identified as Sonu, leading the woman to a waste treatment facility.
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After a swift investigation, Sonu confessed to the assault, according to the police. Indore’s authorities acted quickly to apprehend the accused, with officials expressing their determination to expedite justice.
Political Outcry and Public Backlash
These incidents have sparked a political firestorm, with Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari sharply criticizing the state’s BJP-led government. Patwari, in a post on X, accused the Chief Minister of inaction, questioning the government’s commitment to women’s safety.
“The daughter is naked on the road, while the Chief Minister is busy at an event,” Patwari remarked, referencing the Ladli Behna Yojna, a women’s welfare scheme launched by Shivraj Chouhan. He drew parallels between the woman’s situation and the disrobing of Draupadi from the Mahabharata, saying, “Can’t the Chief Minister who considers himself ‘God’ see the disrobing of Draupadi?”
In response, junior Minister Narendra Shivaji Patel defended the government, noting that the accused in Indore was promptly arrested and affirming the BJP’s commitment to justice. “The law will teach the accused a lesson,” he stated, adding that the government is committed to supporting neurodivergent individuals through social welfare programs.
Spotlight on 2023 Ujjain Case: A Grim Reminder
The recent attacks have revived memories of another shocking incident in Ujjain last year, where a minor girl was raped and left bleeding on the streets. Despite her pleas, she was turned away by more than 500 households, restaurants, and toll booth officials. She eventually received help from a temple priest, who took her to the hospital and alerted the police.
With these recent cases, public outcry has intensified over the perceived lack of safety for women in Madhya Pradesh, urging state officials to enhance security and preventive measures against gender-based violence. The incidents in Indore and Rewa underscore a growing demand for accountability and stronger legal action.
