INDORE: A woman has been raped in public, in broad daylight in temple town Ujjain, leaving the state reeling in shock and horror.
The rape happened on a footpath in Koyla Phatak area, one of the busiest intersections in Ujjain, on Wednesday afternoon. Scores witnessed it yet nobody intervened. Instead, someone filmed the sexual assault and posted it on social media.
A political storm has erupted, with opposition Congress criticising BJP govt for the ‘worsening law and order’ in MP. Ujjain is CM Mohan Yadav’s hometown and he also holds the home portfolio.
Once the shocking footage showed up on social media on Thursday night, police traced the survivor, a ragpicker, and took her for medical tests. According to Ujjain SP Pradeep Sharma, she was brought to the police station, where a case was registered. “Accused Lokesh has been arrested. She says she knew him. Her statement has been recorded before a magistrate,” the SP said. According to police, Lokesh forced her to drink alcohol, raped her and fled.
Political outrage over Ujjain rape
According to police, the survivor said Lokesh lured her with false promises of marriage, forced her to drink alcohol, and then raped her. After the assault, he allegedly threatened her and fled. Madhya Pradesh Congress posted the video on X on Thursday night and said: “Ujjain, the sacred city, is once again shamed. Those in power should either die of shame or resign.”
State Congress chief Jitu Patwari tweeted: “Once again, the holy city of Ujjain is tarnished. Once again, the blot is on Ujjain’s law and order. It is shocking to even think that rapes are now happening in broad daylight in MP — on open streets. This is only possible when the law and govt completely disappear. If this is the situation in the CM’s hometown, then one can imagine the condition of the rest of the state.”
BJP state spokesperson Narendra Saluja said: “The matter will be investigated and the accused will be given the strictest punishment. The victim will receive justice.”
(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)