PM Modi orders ‘strictest action’ in Varanasi gangrape case, 9 accused sent to judicial custody

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on Friday about the horrifying gangrape of a 19-year-old student in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. The briefing happened shortly after he landed in the city to launch a series of development projects. Top officials including the city’s police commissioner, divisional commissioner, and district magistrate were present at the airport to update the prime minister on the case.

According to a statement by the Uttar Pradesh government, PM Modi instructed officials to take the "strictest possible action" against those involved and to implement measures that would help prevent such crimes in the future. His reaction came amid nationwide outrage over the shocking incident that has led to the arrest of nine accused so far.

The victim, a Commerce student who aspired to pursue a career in sports, had reportedly gone to meet a friend on March 29. According to her father, she then fell into contact with a group of men and went missing for several days. Fearing societal judgment, her family initially tried to search for her themselves, but after failing to trace her, they approached the police on April 3.

She was found a day later by the authorities in a traumatized state. After receiving medical treatment and regaining composure, she revealed that she had been gangraped by 23 men over a span of seven days, several of whom intoxicated her repeatedly. Her father alleged that the attack seemed pre-planned due to the number of people involved.

The police have arrested nine individuals so far, all of whom have been sent to judicial custody. However, eleven of the 23 accused are still unidentified, and the police continue their search. The lawyer representing one of the accused confirmed this number, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify the remaining suspects.

The victim’s father has made a heartfelt appeal to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his strong stance on crime. “I don’t demand that the accused be hanged,” he said, “but the punishment should be so severe that people think twice before raping anyone.” The incident has sparked calls for systemic reform and more effective crime prevention in the state.