A video capturing a young girl seeking help on the streets after a reported rape has ignited anger and condemnation in India.
The CCTV footage shows the girl approaching several individuals, with one man appearing to dismiss her plea for assistance. However, police have stated that the girl received help from some individuals during her ordeal, which lasted over two hours in Ujjain city, Madhya Pradesh. Medical examinations have confirmed that she was sexually assaulted.
The video shows the girl, who was visibly bleeding, walking on a road in Ujjain city on Monday (25). At one point in the footage, she approaches a man who seems to wave her away. Police have not yet confirmed the girl’s age but stated that she was incoherent initially and could not provide details about her location. The girl had been reported missing from Satna city, over 700km (435 miles) away, on Sunday (24). She was eventually found and helped by Rahul Sharma, described as a Hindu priest, who noticed her bleeding condition and called the police The girl’s injuries were treated, and she underwent surgery. Her condition was reported as stable.
The video has triggered widespread outrage, leading to condemnation from politicians and on social media. Opposition leaders in Madhya Pradesh criticized the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over women’s safety, while the state BJP chief assured that “strict action” would be taken against the criminals. Activists, including Yogita Bhayana, are working to trace the girl’s family and provide support.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of women in India and sparked calls for justice and accountability.
Police are questioning five people who came into contact with the girl during her ordeal. Authorities are reviewing additional CCTV footage to trace the route the girl walked before receiving help. Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection Of Child Rights, Priyank Kanoongo, is seeking information about the incident from local authorities.
-BBC-
