Sisters' gangrape-suicide: Two arrested in Jodhpur
Jodhpur (PTI): Two persons have been arrested here in connection with alleged rape of two sisters, both of whom committed suicide after repeated police complaints were purportedly ignored.
The younger sister consumed pesticide after climbing a water tank in the village of the accused persons on May 15, alleging that she and her sister had been repeatedly raped by the accused for years and police had turned a blind eye to their complaints.
In her complaint to police, she alleged that the accused were now sexually assaulting her and extorting money from her by threatening to circulate videos of her elder sister.
Her elder sister took the extreme step on March 20.
The younger sister's suicide sparked outrage, triggering protests by her angry family members and villagers. They gathered outside the mortuary and demanded the immediate arrest of all accused and compensation for the family.
The protesters said that timely action by police could have prevented the two deaths.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) (Jodhpur Rural) Bhopal Singh Lakhawat on Monday said two accused have been arrested in the case and are being interrogated.
The two arrested accused are among eight booked in connection with the matter based on a complaint lodged by the women's brother. Searches are underway to trace the remaining accused, police said.
According to the women's family, the younger sister had lodged a complaint at the Khedapa police station on April 11, alleging that she was raped by eight men. However, despite repeated complaints and appeals, no action was taken for over a month.
On May 7, she wrote to the superintendent of police, accusing the local police of failing to act against the accused. From May 10 onwards, she started receiving threats through WhatsApp calls and messages and this information was also shared with police. Still, no legal action was initiated in the matter, the family alleged, the family claimed.
On May 15, the woman consumed the pesticide and died while being taken to the hospital.
The woman's elder sister was sexually assaulted, blackmailed with obscene videos and repeatedly threatened by the same accused. Unable to bear the harassment, she committed suicide after no action was taken on her complaint as well, the family claimed.
Amid mounting criticism, the investigation into the case has been transferred to an Additional Superintendent of Police-level officer.
Bawdi outpost in-charge Dharmendra has been attached to the police lines pending inquiry, police said.
No action has been taken yet against other officials concerned.
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Road crash in UP leaves 10 dead
Lakhimpur Kheri (UP) (PTI): Ten people were killed when a van collided head-on with a truck on the Sisaiya-Lakhimpur national highway on Monday, police said.
The van was going to Sisaiya from Lakhimpur when the accident took place between Unchgaon and Bharehta villages.
Circle Officer of Dhaurahra, Shamsher Bahadur Singh, said all nine passengers travelling in the van and the driver were killed.
District Magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri Anjani Kumar Singh told reporters that the van collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction, leading to nine casualties on the spot, while one succumbed to injuries at the district hospital.
Circle Officer, Dhaurahra, Shamsher Bahadur Singh told PTI, "Efforts are on to establish the identity of other deceased persons."
The seven of the deceased have been identified as Jaideep Singh (25), Pawan (23), Sohan (21), Ram Goyal (42), Sahajram (35), Pappu (18), all residents of Bahraich district and Adnan Khan (15), a resident of Lakhimpur Kheri district, police said.
Condoling the loss of lives in the accident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a post on X, said, "The loss of life in the unfortunate road accident in Lakhimpur Kheri district is deeply distressing and heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the bereaved families."
"I have directed the local administration to provide prompt and adequate assistance to the injured and the victims. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant the departed souls a place at His divine feet and to bestow a speedy recovery upon the injured," Adityanath said on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak too condoled the loss of lives in the accident.
"The loss of lives resulting from the road accident in Lakhimpur Kheri district is deeply tragic and heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families," Maurya said.
