NEET aspirant allegedly gang-raped in Chitrakoot valley, one suspect detained
New Delhi: A 19-year-old NEET aspirant was allegedly gang-raped by three men at Devangana Valley in Uttar Pradesh’s Chitrakoot district, police said.
The alleged assault took place on Wednesday afternoon around 12 km from the district headquarters. The woman, a resident of Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district, studies at a coaching institute in Kota, Rajasthan. She had travelled to Chitrakoot to visit relatives.
She went to the valley on a motorcycle with her 17-year-old friend, a Class 12 student from Chitrakoot. They moved towards a secluded part of the hill when three men arrived on another motorcycle.
Accused posed as officials
The three men allegedly introduced themselves as forest department personnel before attacking the two friends.
According to the woman’s complaint, the accused beat the teenager with a belt when he tried to intervene. They then tied his hands and feet with a towel and left him restrained.
The men allegedly dragged the woman into nearby bushes and sexually assaulted her. The secluded location and weak mobile network prevented the two from calling for help immediately.
Friend called police
The teenager later managed to free himself and walked downhill until he found mobile network coverage. He then contacted emergency services and informed them about the alleged attack.
A police response team reached the area and took both of them to a hospital. Doctors discharged the boy after preliminary treatment, while the woman underwent the required medical examination.
FIR under gang-rape law
Police registered a First Information Report under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 70, which deals with gang rape.
“In her statement, the victim mentioned gang rape,” Superintendent of Police Arun Kumar Singh said. “Because her friend is a minor, he will also undergo a medical examination. Based on the complaint, an FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway.”
Hunt for suspects
Police formed two special teams and involved the cyber cell in the investigation. Officers have started reviewing CCTV footage from roads connected to Devangana Valley.
Footage reportedly shows three men leaving the area on a motorcycle after the alleged crime. Police have detained at least one suspect for questioning.
Investigators are working to establish the identities of all three accused and trace their movements before and after the incident. Police have not disclosed further information about the detained suspect.