NEW DELHI: In the confines of a hospital bed at the AIIMS Trauma Centre, the survivor of a brutal gangrape remained ensconced in silence, her thoughts swirling in a haze of trauma. Outside her room, a dedicated contingent of police officers awaited any verbal cue from her that could guide them in their search for her attackers.
This investigation posed considerable challenges; it was essentially a blind case. The identities and the number of her assailants were a mystery, and even the critical details regarding the time and location of the harrowing crime remained unknown. The woman had been found at Sarai Kale Khan, battered and in agonizing pain, seemingly caught in a struggle between her instinct to speak and the weight of her traumatic experience. To bridge this gap, Constable Sangeeta entered the ward, adopting the guise of a social worker, while the police arranged for an Odia translator to serve as a nurse, facilitating communication.
Their primary mission was to provide care for the survivor while simultaneously cultivating an atmosphere of trust that would encourage her to share her experience. It took time for the woman to feel safe enough to speak out. When prompted about the number of men who had assaulted her, she hesitantly raised three fingers. She disclosed that one of her attackers had a physical disability and mentioned that they had used an autorickshaw. The survivor also uttered the word ‘station,’ hinting that this might be a pivotal clue. However, due to her existing mental health issues compounded by the trauma, she struggled to provide additional details, including specifics about the time and place of the assault.
To tackle this distressing case, Joint Commissioner of Police Sanjay Jain promptly formed a specialized task force led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Ravi Kumar Singh and Assistant Commissioner of Police Aishwarya Singh, deploying ten sub-teams to unravel the mystery. Sub-Inspector Shubham Chaudhary meticulously created a site plan, pinpointing over 700 government and private CCTV cameras strategically positioned along both major and minor routes starting from the location where the survivor was discovered on October 11. Their investigatory efforts began to bear fruit when CCTV footage captured the victim leaving the Old Delhi Railway Station waiting hall at 10:14 AM on October 10, providing them with their first critical lead.
The investigation team expanded their review to include footage from cameras positioned at key locations such as Kashmiri Gate, Red Fort, Daryaganj, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, and the area surrounding Rajghat-Shantivan. They extended their scrutiny to several petrol and CNG stations between ITO and Sarai Kale Khan. This comprehensive analysis assisted in developing an electronic map detailing the route the survivor likely took following her departure from the station.
After thoroughly examining the potential route, officers verified more than 150 autorickshaws based on both visible and unclear license plate digits. A significant breakthrough emerged when they located an autorickshaw parked near the crime scene. The same vehicle was subsequently captured on camera, moving to another point. “Here, the driver exited the vehicle and crossed the road,” recounted DCP Singh. “This specific location was where we acquired a partial number plate.” Through persistent investigation, the autorickshaw was identified, bearing the registration number DL1RAA 9327, and the driver linked to the late-night incident was identified as Prabhu Mahto. The registration details were crucial in tracking down the driver, and an officer revealed that Mahto’s mobile phone location coincided with the timestamps in the CCTV footage.
With relentless determination to bring the accused to justice, authorities focused their efforts on locating Mahto. Ultimately, he was arrested on October 30. During extensive interrogation, he revealed vital information that led to the identification and capture of the second suspect, Pramod alias Babu, on November 2. The final suspect, Mohmmad Shamshul, was apprehended shortly thereafter on November 4, marking the successful conclusion of a 21-day manhunt.
“We will ensure the accused receive the harshest punishment under the law,” affirmed a senior officer involved in the case. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, individuals accused of serous crimes like gangrape are subject to severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum rigorous imprisonment term of 20 years, which can extend to life imprisonment, meaning confinement for the remainder of the accused’s natural life. Financial penalties may also be imposed in conjunction with imprisonment.
(The victim’s identity remains undisclosed in accordance with Supreme Court directives aimed at protecting the privacy of victims in sexual assault cases.)
**Interview with Human Rights Advocate Maya Verma on the Recent Gang Rape Case in India**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Maya. This gang rape case has understandably sparked outrage across the nation. As an advocate for women’s rights, what are your immediate thoughts on the situation?*
**Maya Verma:** Thank you for having me. My heart goes out to the survivor and her family during this harrowing time. This incident has reignited a conversation that hasn’t been adequately addressed in India—our ongoing struggle with sexual violence against women. It’s a systemic issue that requires immediate and long-term solutions.
*Interviewer: The police faced significant challenges in this investigation. What do you think could improve the handling of such cases?*
**Maya Verma:** It’s crucial to ensure that first responders are trained to handle these sensitive situations with care and empathy. Building trust with survivors is fundamental, as we saw with the efforts of Constable Sangeeta who posed as a social worker. Additionally, investing in better training for law enforcement and establishing specialized task forces can enhance investigation efforts. We need consistent standards for responding to sexual violence cases nationwide.
*Interviewer: The survivor was able to provide some details, including information about her attackers and their mode of transport. How important is this information in the context of a trauma survivor?*
**Maya Verma:** Every detail matters, particularly in a case as complex as this one. However, we must remember that trauma affects memory and perception. The information she provided, despite her mental distress, highlights her bravery. It’s vital that investigations respect and understand the enormity of what she went through, allowing her the space to heal and share at her own pace.
*Interviewer: There’s been significant public outcry regarding rising sexual violence in India. How can civil society contribute to combating this issue?*
**Maya Verma:** Civil society has a monumental role to play. Awareness campaigns, community workshops, and support networks for survivors are foundational. We must advocate for legal reforms that ensure swift justice for victims. Mobilizing resources to support survivors mentally and emotionally is critical. It’s about fostering a culture of respect and safety for women at all levels of society.
*Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you believe is necessary for creating lasting change in protecting women in India?*
**Maya Verma:** We need a multi-faceted approach—one that combines education, legal reform, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment from the government to support women’s rights. We must shift cultural norms that normalize violence and empower women to stand against it. Collectively, we can create an environment where women feel safe and valued, and incidents like this become increasingly rare.
*Interviewer: Thank you, Maya, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. Your advocacy is essential as we work towards a safer future for women in India.*
**Maya Verma:** Thank you for shedding light on these important conversations. Together, we can make a difference.
