BY PC Bureau
April 25, 2025
A shocking incident of kidnapping and gangrape has rocked the Maoist-infested Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, where four tribal girls, including three minors, were brutally assaulted by seven individuals on the night of April 23. The crime, which occurred after a wedding reception in Thakurtola village under the Godri outpost, has triggered widespread outrage and calls for justice on social media platforms like X and in local communities.
According to the initial police report, the victims were returning to their village, accompanied by a local resident, when they were intercepted by a group of youths from Bhagatpur village riding two motorcycles. The assailants allegedly waylaid the girls and took them to a dense forest area, where they were gangraped. Out of shame and fear, the victims did not immediately report the incident to their families. The crime came to light the following morning when villagers learned of the assault and promptly informed the police.
बालाघाट के दुगलाई गांव में इंसानियत को शर्मसार करने वाली घटना – 4 आदिवासी बेटियों के साथ सामूहिक बलात्कार।
इनमें 3 नाबालिग और 1 बालिग बेटी शामिल हैं। इस घिनौने कृत्य को 7 लड़कों ने अंजाम दिया, जो सभी भगतपुर गांव के रहने वाले हैं।
क्या यही है आदिवासियों की सुरक्षा का सच?
क्या…— Umang Singhar (@UmangSinghar) April 25, 2025
The Balaghat police have identified and arrested all seven accused, who now face charges under multiple legal provisions, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Sections 70(1), 70(2), 351(2)), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act (Sections 5/6), and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (Sections 3(1)(w)(i), 3(2)(v), and 3(2)(v-a)). The accused are Lokesh Mate (22), Lalchand Khare (34), Bahe (28), Ajju alias Bagdate (21), Rajendra Kavre (20), Maniram Vahe (21), and Egalesh all residents of Bhagatpur village.
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The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of tribal communities in remote, Maoist-affected areas like Balaghat, where access to immediate help and law enforcement can be limited. The victims, comprising three minors and one adult, are receiving medical care and support, though the psychological trauma of the assault is likely profound. Local authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway, with forensic teams collecting evidence to strengthen the case against the accused.
This horrific crime adds to a disturbing pattern of sexual violence against tribal women in Madhya Pradesh, where over 21% of the state’s population belongs to tribal communities, many of whom live in poverty and lack basic amenities, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation. The Balaghat case has reignited discussions about the need for stronger protective measures and faster judicial processes to deter such atrocities.
The Balaghat police have urged the public to come forward with any additional information that could aid the investigation, while community leaders are calling for increased security and awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable populations.
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