The prime accused in the rape and blackmail of several girl students from a Bhopal-based college was shot and injured on Friday night after allegedly attempting to flee police custody during an evidence-gathering operation, according to Madhya Pradesh police.
The incident occurred near Sarwar village under the Ratibad police station limits when Farhan Ali, one of five accused in the case, purportedly tried to snatch a pistol from a sub-inspector. During the scuffle, the weapon discharged, striking Ali in the leg.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Priyanka Shukla stated that Farhan Ali was being transported by personnel from Ashoka Garden police station to Bilkisganj, where he had earlier claimed to have stayed with another accused, Abrar.
“When they reached Sarwar village under the Ratibad police station area, the accused said he wanted to attend a nature's call, and the police vehicle was stopped,” DCP Shukla said. “Farhan allegedly tried to snatch a pistol from a sub-inspector, and a shot got fired from the weapon during the scuffle.”
Ali was immediately rushed to a hospital and is undergoing treatment.
Ashoka Garden police station in-charge Hemant Shrivastava added, “Farhan was being taken to Bilkisganj in search of another accused, Abrar, and to collect evidence. Farhan tried to escape from custody by snatching the pistol,” he said, noting that two police personnel also sustained injuries in the incident.
A case has been registered against Farhan Ali and four others under Sections 64 (rape), 61 (gang-rape) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the Information and Technology Act and the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act.
The investigation stems from complaints filed by students of a private college who allege they were raped by the accused, who had concealed their identities and later blackmailed the victims with objectionable videos.
The first FIR was lodged on 25 April after three girls approached police with allegations of rape and blackmail. A fourth complaint followed soon after.
According to police officials, the accused used deception to initiate relationships with the victims, recorded explicit material, and then used the footage to blackmail them.
The incident has sparked outrage in Bhopal, with several Hindu groups holding protests at 26 different locations on Friday evening. The demonstrators described the crimes as part of “love jihad”.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken a stern stance on the issue. “The state government will not tolerate 'jihad or love jihad' in the state, and the criminals will not be spared,” he said.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the case and formed a three-member inquiry panel. The committee is headed by retired IPS officer and former Jharkhand Director General of Police Nirmal Kaur.
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