In a disturbing case that has rocked Varanasi and triggered widespread outrage, nine accused in the gangrape of a 19-year-old woman have been sent to judicial custody by the District and Sessions Court. The incident, which reportedly involved 23 individuals, unfolded over a week-long ordeal, with the survivor being found unconscious on April 4.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cantt), Vidush Saxena, the police have arrested 9 individuals, while efforts are underway to track down and apprehend the remaining 14 accused, including 11 unidentified suspects.
“The arrested accused have been remanded. The rest of the accused will be arrested soon,” ACP Saxena confirmed.
Victim’s Father Speaks Out
The father of the victim, in a heart-wrenching statement, described how his daughter went missing on March 29 after leaving home to visit a friend. She reportedly spent time near the ghat area and later came in contact with several boys.
“We searched for her ourselves, but could not find her. On April 3, we informed the police. They found her on April 4 in an unconscious and critical state,” the father said.
“She was repeatedly drugged and gangraped by 23 people over seven days. This was clearly a planned and monstrous act.”
The girl, a commerce student with aspirations in sports, is currently recovering and under medical care. Her father has appealed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his strong stance in such cases, to ensure swift and exemplary punishment.
“I don’t ask for the accused to be hanged, but their punishment must be such that no one ever dares to do this again,” he said.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Alok Saurabh, the lawyer of one of the accused, confirmed that all 9 arrested individuals were sent to judicial custody. He also revealed that a total of 23 people have been named in the case, 11 of whom remain unidentified at this stage.
The DCP of Varuna Zone had earlier announced that a rape case was registered at the Lalpur Pandeypur police station and legal proceedings are underway.
“She was drugged and sexually assaulted multiple times. The scale and nature of the crime point toward a deliberate, coordinated plan,” a police official said.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The case has sparked national outrage and raised serious concerns about women’s safety, especially in urban centers. Activists and citizens alike are demanding fast-track trials and urgent reforms to protect vulnerable women.
The Uttar Pradesh government, under CM Yogi Adityanath, is expected to issue a statement or take executive action in the coming days.