SIDHI, MADHYA PRADESH | August 7, 2025
In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves across Madhya Pradesh, a 20-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gang-raped by four men in Sidhi district, while her fiancé was beaten and chased away. Police have arrested three of the four accused and launched a manhunt to trace the fourth, who remains absconding.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Arvind Srivastava, the woman and her fiancé, both residents under the Churhat police station limits, had gone to a hill area near Kathoutha on Tuesday evening after parking their motorcycle by the roadside. While they were spending time together, four men roaming nearby noticed them. The group attacked the couple, beat up the man, and drove him away from the spot. They then allegedly took turns raping the woman.

Despite the trauma, the woman managed to escape and reunited with her fiancé. The couple immediately approached the Semaria police station and reported the incident. Police acted swiftly by registering a case and sending both victims for medical treatment at a local community health centre.

“We have arrested three of the accused and formed five special teams to locate the fourth,” ASP Srivastava confirmed. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The disturbing incident has ignited political outrage, with the opposition Congress party attacking the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the worsening law and order situation in the state. State Congress president Jitu Patwari said the brutal crime not only disgraces humanity but also highlights Madhya Pradesh’s failing record in safeguarding women, especially those from Dalit and tribal communities.

“In the past three years, 7,418 cases of rape involving Dalit and tribal women, 338 gang-rapes, and 558 murders have been registered in Madhya Pradesh. On average, seven daughters from these communities fall victim to such cruelty every day,” said Patwari. He further accused the BJP government of inaction and neglect in addressing rising crimes, calling it a complete failure of governance.

The Congress party has demanded justice for the victim and strict punishment for the perpetrators, as well as accountability from the BJP-led state administration.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked public anger and calls for better safety measures, especially for women from marginalized communities. Rights activists and civil society members have urged the government to take strong steps to ensure justice and improve the law enforcement mechanism in rural areas.

The police investigation continues, with efforts underway to apprehend the remaining accused. Authorities have assured that the case will be fast-tracked and justice will not be delayed.