PM Modi Orders ‘Strictest Action’ in Varanasi Gang Rape Case; 9 Arrested, Search On for Remaining Accused
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed authorities to ensure the “strictest possible action” is taken against all individuals involved in the recent gang rape case that has shaken Varanasi and sparked widespread public outrage.
Upon his arrival in the city on Friday, PM Modi was immediately briefed on the case by the Police Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner, and District Magistrate. According to officials, 23 people have been named in connection with the assault, with nine already arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
The harrowing case involves a 19-year-old student who was found unconscious on April 4 after being allegedly held captive and gang-raped by multiple men over a week. The case was officially registered at Lalpur Pandeypur police station under relevant sections of the law.
A statement from the Uttar Pradesh government confirmed the Prime Minister’s instructions: “Immediately after landing in Varanasi, the prime minister was briefed on the recent criminal rape incident in the city. He directed that the strictest possible action be taken against the culprits and asked officials to put in place effective measures to prevent such crimes in the future.”
The survivor’s father recounted the events leading up to her disappearance, saying that she had left home on March 29 to meet a friend but never returned. Despite the family’s desperate attempts to locate her, it was only after filing a police complaint on April 3 that she was found the next day in a distressed condition.
The father revealed that his daughter had been repeatedly drugged and assaulted, and emphasized the calculated nature of the crime, stating, “The involvement of so many men suggests this was preplanned.” He also clarified that his daughter did not know any of the accused.
Calling for justice, the victim’s father urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure that the accused are punished in a way that serves as a strong deterrent to society. “I don’t wish for the death penalty, but their punishment must send a clear message,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alok Saurabh, the lawyer representing one of the accused, confirmed that nine suspects have so far been sent to judicial custody, while the identities of 11 individuals are still under investigation.
Major Infrastructure Push for Varanasi
In addition to reviewing the ongoing investigation, PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation for a slew of infrastructure projects aimed at transforming Varanasi’s connectivity, urban amenities, and public services.
Key announcements included:
- The foundation stone for a road bridge linking Varanasi Ring Road with Sarnath.
- New flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings to ease city congestion.
- An underpass tunnel on National Highway-31 near Varanasi International Airport.
Together, these projects are worth over ₹980 crore and are expected to significantly ease traffic flow, enhance connectivity, and stimulate development across Varanasi and the surrounding districts.
