Jahanvi Agarwal
In a disturbing incident in Rajasthan’s Karauli district, a shocking allegation has emerged involving a Magistrate and an 18-year-old Dalit gang-rape survivor. The survivor has accused the Magistrate of demanding that she strip in court to show her injuries, prompting her to file a complaint on March 30, 2024.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mina Meena, the survivor refused the Magistrate’s demand and subsequently lodged a complaint against him. The complaint led to the registration of a case at the Kotwali police station, invoking charges under section 345 of the Indian Penal Code and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
A senior official from the Rajasthan High Court stated that an investigation into the matter is underway. The case has been entrusted to a team led by Vigilance Registrar Ajay Singh Jatt, who visited the rape survivor in Karauli to record her statement.
The accused Magistrate has not been reachable for comment despite multiple attempts by media outlets. The incident stems from a horrifying gang-rape that occurred on March 19, allegedly perpetrated by three men.
The victim was abducted from her home in the evening while her parents were away, taken to one of the assailants houses, and subjected to a gang-rape ordeal. Subsequently, a case was filed against the three men under sections 376 (rape) and 376D (gang-rape) of the Indian Penal Code on March 27 at the Hindaun Sadar police station following a court referral.
According to Gridihari Lal, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Hindaun City, the accused perpetrators and their family members have been absconding since the incident. Efforts are underway by police teams to apprehend the culprits, with the investigation ongoing.
This distressing incident underscores the urgency of addressing crimes against women and Dalit communities, with authorities committed to pursuing justice for the survivor and ensuring accountability for those responsible.