A 50-year-old woman died after being brutally attacked while trying to protect her daughter from alleged abductors in Kapsaad village of Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh, police said on Thursday. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over women’s safety in rural areas.
The victim, Sunita Devi, was walking towards agricultural fields with her 20-year-old daughter when they were intercepted near a canal bridge by local residents Paras Rajput (25), Sunil Kumar, and several unidentified accomplices.
Mother attacked while resisting abduction
According to police, the accused attempted to forcibly abduct the young woman. When Sunita Devi resisted and tried to shield her daughter, she was allegedly abused and struck on the head with a sharp-edged weapon. She collapsed at the spot with critical injuries, while the attackers fled with her daughter.
Hearing screams, villagers rushed to the scene and alerted the police. Sunita Devi was immediately shifted to a nearby private hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
Murder and abduction case registered
Meerut Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada said a case of murder and abduction has been registered. “Five police teams have been constituted to trace the abducted woman and arrest the accused,” he said.
Police confirmed that the main accused, Paras Rajput, who worked as an assistant to a local doctor, is currently absconding along with other suspects.
Family devastated
Sunita Devi is survived by five children — three sons and two daughters. Neighbours described her as a protective mother who lost her life trying to save her child.
Search operations underway
Police teams are conducting raids at multiple locations to rescue the abducted daughter and apprehend those involved. Officials said strict action will be taken against all accused once arrested.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of women in isolated rural areas and the urgent need for stronger preventive measures and swift justice.