In Madhya Pradesh Shocker, Loud Music Led To Attack On Army Officers: Cops
In a shocking incident near Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, loud music at a picnic spot turned into a nightmare for two Army officers and their woman friend. According to the police, six men were drawn to the spot after hearing the loud music and proceeded to attack the officers and allegedly rape one of the women on the intervening night of September 10 and 11.
Located about 30 km from the Mhow military cantonment, Jam Gate is a popular tourist spot on the Vindhyachal ranges, surrounded by forests. The area is frequented by tourists during the day but becomes deserted at night.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Hitika Vasal stated that the two Army officers and their two women friends had been at the spot since 11 pm on Tuesday, listening to loud music. The six accused, upon hearing the sound in the deserted area, reached the spot and committed the crime.
One of the attackers threatened the victims with a pistol, while the others were armed with sticks. The accused held one couple hostage, assaulted them, and demanded Rs 10 lakh for their release.
Although the police arrived at the scene promptly, the accused managed to flee upon seeing the headlights of the police vehicle. Three out of the six accused have been arrested, while the remaining three are still at large. Police teams are conducting raids and have announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for each arrest.
Investigation and aftermath
The two Army officers, aged 23 and 24, were undergoing the Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town when the incident occurred. The survivors were brought to Mhow civil hospital, where a medical examination confirmed that one of the women was raped.
A case has been registered under sections 70 (gang rape), 310-2 (dacoity), 308-2 (extortion), and 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as under sections of the Arms Act.
The woman who was allegedly raped is currently in a state of shock and has not yet been able to record her statement. The police are focusing on obtaining her statement and questioning the accused about the alleged rape.
Police have dismissed rumors circulating on social media that the officers and the young women had met through a dating app.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)