Farhan Ali, the main accused, alleged to have raped college girls and blackmailing them with objectionable videos, was injured in an attempt to escape from personnel on Friday
Representational Image Pic/PTI
A man accused of raping and blackmailing college students sustained injuries while allegedly trying to escape police custody in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, reported news agency PTI.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Priyanka Shukla confirmed that the prime accused, Farhan Ali, had previously disclosed his stay with co-accused Abrar in a room in Bilkisganj. On Friday night, officers from Ashoka Garden police station were escorting Farhan to the location for evidence collection, reported PTI.
According to DCP Shukla, the incident occurred near Sarwar village under the Ratibad police station limits. Farhan reportedly asked the police to stop the vehicle to use the washroom. When the vehicle halted, he allegedly tried to snatch a pistol from a sub-inspector and escape. During the scuffle, a shot was fired, injuring Farhan in the leg. He was immediately hospitalized and is currently under medical care.
Ashoka Garden police station in-charge Hemant Shrivastava said two police personnel were also injured in the altercation. Farhan was being taken to help trace co-accused Abrar and collect further evidence, reported PTI.
Farhan Ali is among six individuals arrested for allegedly raping and blackmailing college students. The accused reportedly concealed their identities and recorded objectionable videos of the victims, later using the footage to blackmail them, reported PTI.
The investigation began after three students from a private college lodged a complaint on April 25, alleging sexual assault and blackmail. A fourth survivor later came forward with similar allegations.
The case has triggered widespread outrage in Bhopal. On Friday evening, protests were held at 26 locations across the city, with many demonstrators calling it a case of "love jihad." In response, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that such acts would not be tolerated and assured strict action against the accused, reported PTI.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and formed a three-member inquiry committee headed by retired IPS officer and former Jharkhand DGP Nirmal Kaur, reported PTI.
A case has been registered at Ashoka Garden police station under Sections 64 (rape) and 61 (gang rape) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act.
(With inputs from PTI)
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