Mauganj Horror: Gangrape Accused Kidnaps Victim's Father, Sparks Highway Blockade and Police Hunt

Digital Desk

In a shocking twist to an ongoing gangrape case, the father of a minor victim was abducted by one of the accused right from their village in Mauganj. The incident has ignited fury among locals, leading to a dramatic highway blockade that lasted hours. As police scramble for clues, tension grips the area with fears for the missing man's safety.

The nightmare began around 9 PM on Saturday when Pankaj Soni, a local resident and one of the two men charged in the rape case, allegedly forced the victim's father into a Scorpio SUV and sped away. Villagers, who witnessed the kidnapping, wasted no time in alerting authorities. But with no quick police response, outrage boiled over. By evening, hundreds blocked the Rewa-Sirmour highway, demanding immediate action.

Long lines of vehicles piled up on both sides, causing chaos for travelers. Protesters chanted slogans against the police, accusing them of delaying justice. "We can't trust them anymore," said one villager, speaking on condition of anonymity. Mauganj ASP Vikram Singh and SDOP Sachi Pathak rushed to the scene with a team, urging the crowd to disperse. The victim's family, heartbroken and defiant, refused until late night. Talks dragged on till 2 AM, and only around 2:30 AM did the blockade lift, sparing further public hardship.

Even 12 hours later, police admit they have zero leads on Soni's whereabouts or the Scorpio's trail. A massive search operation is underway in nearby forests and villages, with extra forces from Rewa bolstering the effort. "We're leaving no stone unturned," an officer told reporters. The area remains on edge, with patrolling increased to prevent unrest.

This abduction traces back to a brutal crime on August 15, 2025. A minor girl was lured away, gang-raped by Soni and another accomplice, and held captive for days. She escaped a week later and bravely filed a complaint, leading to charges against the duo. Yet, villagers claim the accused have roamed free, emboldened by slow probes. "This is revenge," alleged a family member. Rights groups now call for witness protection and faster trials in such sensitive cases.

As the hunt intensifies, Mauganj questions the justice system's speed. Will the father be found safe? The coming hours could bring answers—or more pain. Stay tuned for updates on this developing Mauganj gangrape abduction story.