Rewa: A 22-year-old differently-abled woman with learning disabilities and severe speech impairment was allegedly gangraped multiple times in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district. The case came to light only after the survivor became pregnant, police said on Tuesday.
According to the police, the survivor would regularly carry tiffin for her father, who runs a utensils shop. On her way, she often passed by a samosa shop owned by one of the accused. The two men allegedly exploited her condition and raped her on several occasions.
Accused identified and arrested
The accused were identified as Ankush Gupta, 25, and Dheeru Lakhera, 25. Both were arrested soon after the survivor’s family lodged a complaint at Mangawan police station late on Monday. The duo was produced before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody.
Mangawan police station in-charge, Gajendra Singh Dhakad, confirmed the arrests and said, “Recording the survivor’s statement is challenging as she has severe speech impairment and learning difficulties. We will take the help of experts to ensure her statement is properly documented. For now, the FIR has been registered based on the statements of her parents.”
Pregnancy led to discovery of crime
The ordeal came to light after the survivor complained of stomach pain. Her mother took her to a doctor, where it was revealed that she was pregnant. Upon being gently questioned, the woman managed to narrate her traumatic experience.
Police said the exact stage of pregnancy will be known only after a detailed medical examination. This will also help investigators determine the timeline of the crime.
Forensic tests to confirm evidence
Authorities have confirmed that DNA samples will be collected to establish the involvement of the accused. “Given the survivor’s condition, scientific evidence such as DNA profiling will be crucial in ensuring justice,” Dhakad said.
Legal action underway
The two accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of rape and gangrape, along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act if applicable, depending on medical confirmation of the survivor’s age. Police have assured that the investigation will be carried out sensitively, keeping the survivor’s special needs in mind.
Widespread outrage over case
The case has triggered anger and shock among local residents and women’s rights activists, who have demanded strict punishment for the accused. Advocates for disability rights have also highlighted the need for better safeguards for differently-abled women, who are often more vulnerable to exploitation.
Conclusion
With both accused in judicial custody and medical examinations underway, the case is expected to hinge heavily on forensic evidence and expert support in recording the survivor’s testimony. Authorities have promised a fair and thorough probe into the crime, which has once again exposed the vulnerabilities faced by differently-abled women in India.