19-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Gang-Raped by 23 Men Over Six Days in Varanasi; Six Arrested

A 19-year-old woman from Varanasi has alleged that she was gang-raped by 23 men over six days after being drugged and taken to multiple locations, including hotels and cafes.

The police have arrested six of the accused so far, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.

According to Additional Commissioner of Police Vidush Saxena, the woman went missing on March 29, prompting her family to file a missing person report on April 4.

She returned home the same day but initially did not disclose the ordeal. On April 6, her family lodged a formal complaint alleging gang rape, leading to the registration of a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including gang rape, criminal intimidation, and wrongful confinement.

The survivor’s mother detailed in her complaint that her daughter was lured by individuals who drugged her and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults.

The accused allegedly moved her between locations in Varanasi, including cafes, hotels, and private residences. Among the named suspects are Raj Vishwakarma, Sameer, Ayush, Sohail, Danish, Anmol, Sajid, Zahir, Imran, Jaib, Aman, and Raj Khan. Additionally, 11 unidentified individuals have been booked.

The harrowing sequence began on March 29 when the survivor met Raj Vishwakarma at a café in Lanka, where he allegedly raped her.

Over the following days, she encountered other individuals who took turns assaulting her after intoxicating her. The assaults reportedly occurred in various locations across the city, including cafes in Sigra and Maldahiya and private residences. On April 2, she was abandoned at Assi Ghat after being drugged and raped again.

The police have formed multiple teams to track down the remaining accused. DCP Chandrakant Mina stated that three teams are conducting raids to ensure swift arrests. "We are committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice," he added.

The survivor is currently under medical care and receiving support from authorities. Her identity has been withheld in accordance with legal protections for victims of sexual assault.

This case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger measures to ensure women's safety in India. Activists have urged swift action against the accused while highlighting systemic issues that continue to endanger women across the country.