A 19-year-old woman has claimed that she was kidnapped and gang raped brutally by 22 people over a period of days in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Six of the accused have been arrested by the police and a manhunt has been initiated for the other suspects.

Abduction and Assault Across Multiple Locations

The young lady, who resides in Lalpur in North Varanasi, went out of her house on March 29 to see a friend, which she did on a daily basis. But this time, she did not return, and her family approached police with a missing person complaint on April 4.

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In the same day, the victim was discovered at Pandeypur intersection, where her kidnappers supposedly dropped her off after poisoning her. Despite managing to struggle to a neighboring friend’s residence, she was subsequently brought back home.

Victim Reveals Ordeal to Family

After returning home, the teen approached her father and shared with him the gruesome details of her experience. The attacks, according to reports, were made in several locations, with these including a hookah bar, hotel, lodge, and guest house. Her complaint, which is with NDTV, lists 22 men who allegedly raped her.

Police Launch Investigation, Make Arrests

Officials have filed a case and started interrogating the arrested individuals. The arrested men belong to Hukulganj and Lallapura localities of Varanasi. But the police have been discreet while revealing details as some of the accused might be minors.

Senior police official Chandrakant Meena added, “The complaint of rape was made on April 6 only.” He further said neither the victim’s family nor the victim herself initially complained of being sexually assaulted when she was found. 

Meanwhile, additional investigations are under way, and in the meantime, efforts are being made to locate the remaining suspects. Consequently, the incident has outraged local residents and, as a result, triggered heated public reactions as authorities continue their efforts to bring justice to the victim.