Varanasi Gangrape Case: 2 More Arrests Take Total To 15, Family Seeks Justice As Survivor Battles Hepatitis-B – News18

Last Updated:April 16, 2025, 12:12 IST

19-year-old UP college student sexually assaulted for 7 days: The UP case, which had initially drawn criticism for administrative negligence in investigation, has picked up pace following PM Narendra Modi’s direct intervention

PM Modi directed official to take strict action against the accused in Varanasi gang-rape case | PTI Image

The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested two more men in the brutal seven-day-long gangrape of a 19-year-old college student by 23 men in Varanasi, taking the total number of arrests to 15.

The case, which had initially drawn criticism for administrative negligence in investigation, has picked up pace following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direct intervention.

BASED ON SURVEILLANCE AND FORENSIC ANALYSIS

According to a senior police official from the Varanasi Commissionerate, Raj Khan, son of Jamal Khan alias Munna, a resident of Narpatpur Dubkiyan in Chaubepur; and Mohammad Shahbaz, son of Gulzar, a resident of Lallapura in Sigra have been arrested. Raj had been living in a rented house in Hukulganj, from where he was apprehended during a late-night raid.

“Both suspects were identified using extensive CCTV analysis, facial sketch mapping, and local informant networks. They were seen at multiple locations where the victim was held during her captivity, and both have admitted their involvement during preliminary interrogation,” the officer said.

Lalpur Police officials said the accused will be presented for medical examination before being sent to judicial custody. Meanwhile, police have received intelligence that several identified suspects have gone underground and are tracking police movements through intermediaries. Raids are underway at various hideouts across the district.

9 OF 11 UNKNOWNS IDENTIFIED

As per the first information report lodged at the Lalpur Police Station, the 19-year-old student was abducted on March 29 and subjected to repeated gang rape over the course of a week. She was abandoned in a semi-conscious state on a road on April 5. The survivor managed to return home, where she remained unconscious for two days before her family could approach authorities.

“Thirteen arrests were made in the early stages of the investigation. Of the 11 initially unidentified suspects, we have now confirmed the identities of nine. With the two latest arrests, we are down to six absconders,” the senior official added. “The charge sheet is in an advanced stage and will be filed soon.”

He said that, “They were seen at multiple locations where the woman was held during her captivity, and both have admitted their involvement during preliminary interrogation.”

PM’S INTERVENTION SPURS ACTION

The case gained national prominence after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his 50th official visit to Varanasi on April 11, confronted Police Commissioner Mohan Agrawal about the status of the investigation.

The Prime Minister, visibly upset over the slow pace and administrative lapses, reportedly demanded strict action against all those involved and a guarantee that such incidents do not recur.

DCP Varuna, Chandra Kant Meena, was removed from his post and transferred to the DGP Office in Lucknow. Allegations of inaction and failure to initiate disciplinary proceedings against negligent officers led to his ouster. There is strong speculation that more suspensions and departmental inquiries are imminent.

BAIL HEARING DEFERRED

The bail hearing for Anmol Gupta, identified as the prime accused, was deferred on Tuesday after the survivor’s lawyer sought additional time to present their response. The judge has issued notice to the prosecution to file their reply, and the next hearing is scheduled for April 21.

OUR DAUGHTER DESERVES JUSTICE, SAYS SURVIVOR’S FAMILY

The family of the survivor, speaking to the media for the first time, expressed relief over the arrests but emphasised that the fight is far from over. The victim’s mother said:

“She is broken, physically and mentally. What she went through is unimaginable. We want every man involved to be punished so severely that no one in this country ever dares do such a thing again. Our daughter deserves justice – not just arrests, but convictions.”

The family has also called for a fast-track trial and capital punishment for those found guilty.

SURVIVOR BATTLES HEALTH COMPLICATIONS

The survivor is undergoing treatment at BHU’s Trauma Centre and has been diagnosed with Hepatitis-B, possibly contracted during her week-long captivity. Doctors suggest that her condition may have worsened due to substance exposure during the period she was held. A panel of senior physicians from IMS-BHU is reviewing her medical history, and a combination of antiviral and liver-protective therapies are being administered.

“Her bilirubin count is being monitored regularly. We’re trying to reduce systemic infection risks and are repeating tests every 48 hours,” said a doctor on the condition of anonymity. Additional sample collection has been scheduled later this week.

SOG INTENSIFIES HUNT FOR REMAINING ACCUSED

The Special Operations Group (SOG) has ramped up efforts to trace the absconding culprits. DVRs from over two dozen potential sites have been seized, and CCTV footage is being analysed round the clock. Investigators claim to have traced the victim’s movement across multiple locations, and geo-mapping data is being used to reconstruct the exact timeline of the ordeal.

Authorities are hopeful that the remaining suspects will be apprehended soon, and sources suggest multiple arrests may follow in the coming days.