Protests erupt across Gauharganj, Chiklod, Obaidullahganj, Mandideep, and Raisen amid calls for immediate arrest of the accused and strict action against him
RAISEN – The rape of a six-year-old girl in Panjra village in Madhya Pradesh’s Gauharganj, has triggered widespread anger across Raisen district, prompting protests, road blockades, and a strong call for justice. The accused, who is absconding, allegedly lured the child into a forest with chocolates on the evening of 21 November before committing the heinous act.
The incident has deeply shocked the local population, with residents of Chiklod, Gauharganj, Obaidullahganj, Mandideep, and Raisen taking to the streets in protest. A major blockade of National Highway 45 in Sarkiya caused traffic snarls for hours, leaving thousands of commuters, school buses, and ambulances stranded. Police intervened with mild force to disperse the crowd, though fortunately, no one was seriously injured.
The Muslim community in Raisen has emerged as a prominent voice demanding justice. Large gatherings were held outside the Bareilly SDM office, where community members submitted memoranda demanding strict action against the accused. Slogans such as “Hang him… Hang him…” echoed through the streets, expressing outrage over the crime.
“The culprit’s actions are unforgivable. This is not about one community, but about the dignity of every daughter in our society,” said Ahmed Khan, a local community leader. “We will not rest until justice is delivered, and such criminals face the harshest punishment possible.”
In Bari, members of the Muslim community also submitted a memorandum to the Tehsildar, reinforcing their call for swift justice. Their actions have been widely praised for demonstrating Hindu-Muslim unity in a moment of crisis, sending a message that safeguarding children transcends communal lines.
Congress leaders have also joined the call for action. The Block Congress Committee, led by state spokesperson Pratibha Victor and district media incharge, submitted a memorandum to SDM Manish Sharma on behalf of the Governor, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.
“Daughters are not safe in this state under the current government,” stated Block Congress President Manoj Agarwal. “If the authorities fail to act immediately, the Congress will join the public protests, and the responsibility will rest entirely on the administration.”
Large numbers of Congress workers participated, raising slogans and submitting memoranda, reflecting the intensity of public anger over the incident.
According to police officials, the accused is a labourer in the village. A reward of ₹10,000 has been announced for information leading to his arrest, and posters have been put up in surrounding villages.
The child was rescued by villagers after they heard her cries from the forest. She was first taken to Obaidullahganj Hospital, where doctors confirmed the rape, and then referred to AIIMS, Bhopal, for further treatment. Local residents expressed anger over the delay in ambulance services, which forced the family to transport her in a private vehicle.
Local Hindu groups, including VHP and Bajrang Dal, demanded action against hospital management and the suspension of BMO Dr Amrita Jivne for the delay.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the hospital in Bhopal to meet the victim and her family. He assured the public that strict action would be taken and promised that the case would be tried in a fast-track court.
“Justice will be served. The government is committed to ensuring the safety of children and punishing culprits severely,” said Chouhan.
The Raisen rape case has sparked a rare moment of unity across communities, with the Muslim community taking a leading role in protests and demands for justice. Residents emphasised that protecting children’s rights and dignity is a collective responsibility.
“Today, we stand together, regardless of religion, to ensure that our daughters are safe and criminals are brought to justice,” said Fatima Begum, a local resident participating in the protest.
The accused remains on the run, and police continue to conduct searches, while public pressure is mounting for immediate legal action.
