Gangrape of 16-year-old girl: 8 arrested including political leader

By Sumesh Rajan | April 17, 2025

 

Uttar Pradesh, India: A horrific gangrape case has emerged from Kasganj, a city and the district headquarters of Kasganj in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. On April 10, a 16-year-old girl was gangraped by eight men, including a prominent local BJP leader, Akhilesh Pratap Singh, also known by the alias “Gabbar.” The attack occurred in broad daylight, as the victim and her fiancé were sitting near a canal, resting after an errand.

Around 2:30 pm on that fateful day, the couple was approached by a group of 8 to 10 men. The group forcibly separated the young couple and tied up the fiancé, while three of the men raped the girl in front of him. The attackers also extorted ₹5,000 (approximately $60) from the fiancé and snatched the girl’s gold earrings and cash. In a horrifying turn of events, the perpetrators filmed the assault and issued threats before releasing the victim.

The police were quick to respond, and a formal complaint was lodged under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including gangrape (Section 376D), wrongful restraint (Section 341), extortion (Section 384), and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Kasganj Superintendent of Police, Ankita Sharma, confirmed that eight of the accused were arrested within 48 hours, including the influential BJP leader Akhilesh Pratap Singh, who is said to have a history of criminal charges, including illegal mining and assault.

According to the police investigation, the incident began when the couple was resting by the canal after completing a task related to obtaining a ration card. The accused, who initially posed as police officers, then began harassing the young couple, accusing them of obscenity. When the situation escalated, the group forcibly separated the two, robbed them, and committed the violent act in full view of the fiancé, who was helpless due to threats from the assailants.

In an emotional statement, the victim’s fiancé expressed his support for her, stating, “It’s not her fault. I will marry her and stand by her through this nightmare.” Despite initially fearing retaliation and societal stigma, the couple bravely reported the crime, which led to the swift arrests.

The case has caused widespread outrage in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, prompting political leaders and activists to demand justice. Uttar Pradesh Congress President, Ajay Rai, condemned the state government's handling of the situation and called for stronger actions to combat rising crime in the region. "This incident is an alarming reflection of the state’s lawlessness and failure to protect its citizens," Rai said, drawing parallels with another recent rape case in the city of Kashi.

As of today, the police are still on the lookout for two more suspects who remain at large. The victim has undergone a medical examination, and authorities are working to ensure her safety, as well as that of her fiancé and family. In response to public outcry, the police have pledged to fast-track the case in court to ensure swift justice.

The arrest of the accused BJP leader, a figure with ties to local political figures, has only added to the controversy, with critics accusing the ruling party of fostering a climate of impunity for powerful individuals involved in criminal activities.

This shocking incident has brought attention to the increasing number of violent crimes against women in India and has sparked calls for stricter laws, better law enforcement, and greater protection for victims of such heinous acts.

The victim’s family continues to face threats, with some fearing retaliation from the accused after their release from jail. The community has rallied around the victim, demanding swift and harsh justice to deter future crimes of this nature.