A shocking incident unfolded in Madhya Pradesh, India, where a man raped a woman in broad daylight on a busy footpath in Ujjain district, while bystanders did nothing but watch and film the attack.
The horrific crime occurred last week at Koyla Phatak, one of the busiest intersections in Ujjain. According to The Indian Express, the victim reported the assault to the police around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. City Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Mishra stated that the woman immediately approached the police to file a complaint about the assault.
Upon receiving the complaint, the police promptly called in a female officer to take the victim’s statement. An FIR (First Information Report) was registered after senior officers were informed. In her complaint, the victim identified the perpetrator as Lokesh, a man known to her.
Swift Action by Police
Following the report, a police team was formed to apprehend the accused. “Within two hours of filing the FIR, Lokesh was arrested and brought in for questioning. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime,” CSP Mishra said.
The victim was given a medical examination, and Lokesh was presented before the court, where he was placed in judicial custody. Additionally, the woman’s statement was recorded in court, where she confirmed the details of the assault. Authorities have also secured video footage of the crime, which was captured by an auto rickshaw driver and is now being used as evidence. The driver who filmed the incident was later arrested as well.
Police allege that Lokesh had promised to marry the woman, made her drink alcohol, and then assaulted her on the footpath.
Growing Concerns Over Safety
This disturbing assault comes just weeks after nationwide outrage over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata, and has sparked renewed debate over women’s safety in India. The Ujjain assault also bears grim similarities to the notorious 2012 Delhi gang rape case, which led to widespread protests and calls for reform.
The recent assault has sparked a political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the state’s law enforcement under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Congress leaders have pointed to the incident as a reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation in the region, emphasizing that the crime occurred in the Chief Minister’s own constituency.
As public anger mounts, questions about accountability, social apathy, and women’s safety continue to dominate discussions across the country.