Nine Arrested in Gujarat for Gang-Rape During Purification Ritual

Incident Overview

Surendranagar, Oct 7: Authorities in Gujarat's Surendranagar district have detained nine individuals, including two women, following the alleged gang-rape of a married woman. This incident reportedly occurred during a so-called 'purification' ceremony linked to her relationship with another man. Disturbing videos of the event have since been shared on social media platforms, according to police reports.

The situation came to light when community members alerted the police after the videos depicting the woman's abuse and degradation were circulated online.

Initially, the woman did not report the incident to law enforcement; however, police took action upon receiving tips from local residents and initiated a search for her.

Surendranagar Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu stated that multiple police teams were mobilized to locate the woman after the videos were brought to their attention.

Once found, she was taken to the police station, where her account was documented, and she was given necessary protection.

According to the police report, the woman had left her husband to live with another man. Her husband and relatives allegedly tracked her down and confined her in a house using locks and chains.

After managing to escape, she was reportedly recaptured by the accused, who tied her to a tree with ropes.

The accused are said to have physically assaulted both the woman and her partner under the guise of performing a 'shuddhikaran' or purification ritual.

It is alleged that the woman was sexually assaulted by several individuals, with the entire incident recorded on a mobile device. These videos were later disseminated on social media.

Authorities are currently investigating how the recordings were made and shared.

A-Division police Inspector R.M. Sangada mentioned that they are also looking into the involvement of those who filmed and distributed the videos.

The suspects have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which include offenses related to sexual violence, causing bodily harm, wrongful confinement, and actions taken by multiple individuals with a shared intent, as well as relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.

All nine suspects, including two women who allegedly assisted in the crime, have been apprehended. Investigators are further examining the backgrounds and roles of those arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.