A 19-year-old woman in Varanasi was kidnapped and gang-raped by 22 men over a week

A harrowing case of abduction and gang rape has come to light in Varanasi, where a 19-year-old woman was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted by 22 individuals over the course of a week. Police have arrested six of the suspects and are actively pursuing the remaining accused.

The young woman, a resident of the Lalpur area, left her home on March 29 to visit a friend, a routine she had followed without incident until that day.

Her failure to return prompted her family to file a missing person report with the local police on April 4.

On the same day, the victim was reportedly drugged and released by her captors at the Pandeypur intersection. Despite her disorienting ordeal, she managed to reach a friend's residence nearby and was eventually reunited with her family.

Once home, she recounted the traumatic events to her father, leading to a formal complaint with the authorities.

The victim disclosed that she was violated at multiple locations, including a hookah bar, a hotel, a lodge, and a guest house. The complaint lists 22 perpetrators involved in the attacks. 

Law enforcement has launched an intense investigation, with some of the suspects being identified and detained from Hukulganj and Lallapura areas on the night of the complaint. However, police officials are exercising caution in releasing details due to the possibility of some suspects being minors.

Chandrakant Meena, a senior police officer, stated that the initial complaint filed by the victim's family did not specify sexual assault. "The formal rape complaint was made on April 6," Meena informed the media.

The case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting serious concerns about public safety and the urgency for swift justice. Investigations are ongoing as police continue their efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.