Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh | August 13, 2025 : A horrific crime shook Balrampur district in Uttar Pradesh on Monday evening when a deaf and mute woman was allegedly kidnapped and gang raped while returning home from her maternal uncle’s residence. The incident reportedly took place just meters away from the residences of top district officials, raising serious questions about security and police vigilance.

According to reports, the woman was abducted and taken to a deserted field by two men—Ankur Verma and Harshit Pandey—who allegedly raped her in turns. Due to her disability, the victim was unable to call for help during the ordeal. When she did not return home within an hour, her family began searching and found her in a distressed condition in a field near the Bahadurpur Police Post. She was immediately rushed to the district women’s hospital, where doctors confirmed that while her physical condition was stable, she was in shock from the trauma.

The family promptly filed a missing person complaint, prompting the police to launch an investigation. A CCTV camera near the Superintendent of Police’s residence captured footage of the woman running away and several bikers in the vicinity. This 14-second video proved critical in tracing and apprehending the suspects. Police arrested both accused within 24 hours, after an encounter in which they sustained injuries and confessed to the crime. Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar stated, “Based on the evidence and CCTV footage, we identified and arrested the two men. Further investigation is underway.”

The incident has cast a shadow on Operation Trinetra, the UP government’s flagship surveillance initiative. This program installed hundreds of CCTV cameras across districts to enhance law enforcement and public safety. However, the victim’s family alleged negligence, pointing out that several cameras in the Bahadurpur Police Post area were reportedly switched off during the time of the crime. This lapse has raised questions about the effectiveness of the surveillance system in safeguarding vulnerable citizens, especially near key police installations.

The case has sparked outrage and calls for stricter measures to protect women, especially those with disabilities who are particularly vulnerable to such heinous crimes. Authorities have assured the public of a swift and thorough investigation, with justice being served.

This disturbing incident highlights both the persistent challenges in law enforcement and the urgent need for robust measures to ensure the safety of all citizens, particularly the marginalized and disabled. Meanwhile, the victim continues to receive medical care and support as the investigation proceeds.