Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed profound anguish over the horrific gang-rape of a 19-year-old woman in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. He directed officials to take the strictest possible action against all those involved and ensure justice is delivered swiftly.
Shortly after landing at the Varanasi airport on Friday, the Prime Minister was briefed by top officials, including the Police Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner, and District Magistrate. He was apprised of the ongoing investigation and stressed the urgency of punishing the culprits without delay.
“The Prime Minister has made it clear that there should be no leniency in dealing with such a heinous crime. He has instructed that the strictest provisions under the law be applied, and preventive mechanisms be further strengthened,” a senior official said.
The case, which has sparked outrage across Uttar Pradesh and beyond, involves the alleged gang-rape of a 19-year-old woman by 23 men over a span of seven days. According to the First Information Report (FIR), 12 accused have been named, while 11 others remain unidentified. So far, nine suspects have been arrested, and a manhunt is underway to trace the remaining accused.
The survivor’s father told the media that his daughter had left home on March 29 to visit a friend and failed to return.
“She came in contact with some boys, and 3-4 days passed by. We were deeply worried. Initially, we tried to find her ourselves, but when we failed, we went to the police on April 3. She was recovered the next day, in a terrible state. After treatment, when she regained consciousness, she recounted the trauma she had endured,” he said.
According to police officials, the girl was lured, forcibly taken away, and raped repeatedly over several days. She has alleged that 23 individuals sexually assaulted her during her captivity.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and demands for exemplary punishment. The Prime Minister’s intervention has significantly heightened the pressure on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and transparently.
