Madhya Pradesh Mhow case: Three held for assaulting Army officers, raping woman friend

Arrests made in gang rape case involving army officers in Madhya Pradesh, sparking criticism from political leaders.

Police on Thursday (September 12, 2024) said they have arrested three of the six persons who allegedly assaulted two Army officers and raped their woman friend near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh.

The announcement of arrests came on a day Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi slammed the BJP over the incident, alleging “non-existent” law and order in the states ruled by the saffron party.

Anil Baror (27) and Pawan Bansunia (23) were produced before a local court which remanded them in police custody for five days, said a police official. Another accused, Ritesh Bhabhar (25), was arrested on Thursday night.

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Hitika Vasal told PTI that Bhabhar was accused of threatening the two army officers and their two women friends with a pistol during the incident, while the other accused were carrying sticks.

A total of six accused have been identified in connection with the incident that took place in the wee hours of Wednesday near the popular tourist spot Jam Gate, about 30 km from Mhow military cantonment, police said.

"Several teams are on the lookout for the three absconding accused, and a reward of ₹10,000 has been announced for [information about] each of them," the SP said.

The Army officers, aged 23 and 24, undergoing the Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town, had gone out for a picnic with their two female friends.