Victims' mothers allege FIR delay, evidence tampering, VIP treatment for suspect

Chocolate Lure, Rope Restraints

Two seven-year-old girls were allegedly raped by a 17-year-old neighbour in the Sirgitti police station area of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, in a case that has now spiralled into a serious police misconduct controversy. According to the victims' families, the accused had been luring the children with chocolate for several days before family members caught him in the act on May 27. During the assaults, the accused reportedly tied the girls with rope to restrain them.

The accused was eventually arrested on May 29 — two days after he was caught — but the families say the delay was only the beginning of a larger pattern of negligence and alleged cover-up by local police.

FIR Filed Only After Senior Officers Stepped In

Despite the family reporting the incident promptly, the Sirgitti police station did not register an FIR immediately. The victims' families spent hours moving between the police station and senior officials before a report was finally filed — and only after the intervention of higher-ranking officers. The mothers of the two girls allege that during this critical window, the station in-charge and investigating officers were focused not on arresting the accused but on mediating with his mother.

According to one of the victims' mothers, the accused's family even offered police a sum of Rs 10,000 to 20,000 during this period. She alleged that officers were receptive to the overture and that pressure was subsequently applied on the victim's family to settle the matter out of court.

Evidence Left Uncollected

In a particularly damaging allegation, the family says police were immediately informed about physical evidence connected to the assault — including rope and other items at the scene. Despite this, the Sirgitti police reportedly made no effort to seize or preserve this material. The family fears crucial forensic evidence may now be destroyed or contaminated as a result of this inaction.

A medical examination of the two girls confirmed pain and physical indicators consistent with the alleged assault. Despite this, sources close to the family say police appear to be working to weaken the case rather than build it. The accused's medical examination, they allege, was recorded as "nil."

Accused Gets VIP Treatment, Victims Sit in the Sun

The family's account paints a disturbing picture of the atmosphere inside the police station. While they were allegedly made to wait in the heat outside, the accused's mother was reportedly seated comfortably inside and allowed repeated family visits. The victims' family has named Station In-charge Abhay Singh Bais, Sub-Inspector Sheetal Prasad Tripathi and Investigating Officer Santoshi Agarwal as those allegedly responsible for shielding the accused.

Threats from the accused's side have reportedly continued even after the arrest, creating what the family described as an atmosphere of fear for the girls and their relatives.

Seven Demands Before SSP

The families have met Bilaspur SSP Rajnesh Singh to formally register their grievances. A letter has also been sent to the Union Home Minister. Their demands include transfer of the named officers, an independent investigation by a senior official, immediate security cover for the two families, seizure of all crime-scene evidence, and accountability proceedings for those responsible for the FIR delay and alleged evidence lapse.

They have also asked that the three named officials be kept entirely away from this case until any departmental inquiry is concluded.

Background: Related Case in Raipur

The Bilaspur case surfaces amid broader concerns about child safety in Chhattisgarh. In a separate incident in Raipur, a 65-year-old man identified as Abdul Sajjad Ansari was accused of raping a nine-year-old girl over five consecutive days after luring her with chocolate. Authorities in that case subsequently demolished the accused's illegally constructed shop. Both cases raise questions about the vulnerability of young children in residential neighbourhoods and the adequacy of immediate police response.

The Bilaspur case now awaits action from senior officials. Whether the SSP intervenes decisively — or the matter is quietly buried — will determine whether justice reaches two seven-year-old girls in Sirgitti.

Victim's cop father fights for FIR hours after 2017 attack in Habibganj; case exposes policing lapses in busy urban hub.

Shocking Attack Unfolds

A UPSC aspirant suffered a gang rape near Habibganj railway station—now Rani Kamlapati—on October 31, 2017, just 50 meters from an RPF police station. The 18-year-old victim, returning from coaching, took a shortcut through a dark railway stretch. Four men attacked her around 7 PM amid crowded evening rush, sources indicated.

She reached the RPF station by 10:30 PM in torn clothes, trembling. Officers called her father, an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Railway Protection Force. Her mother, waiting at Vidisha station, grew anxious as her phone stayed off since 7 PM.

Victim's Desperate Dash

The survivor bolted to the station after the assault, stunning duty officers. She could barely speak, clutching her phone. Her father rushed over, finding his daughter in shock.

He took her home. There, she revealed the gang rape by four unidentified men. The family treated her injuries before pushing for action. As per reports, the crime site lay steps from the main road, yet went unseen.

Daily Commute Turns Deadly

The victim commuted from Vidisha to Bhopal's MP Nagar for UPSC coaching. Her father, posted in Bhopal with quarters, let her travel daily. That evening, she chose the 5-10 minute shortcut over the 30-minute main route.

Fifty steps in, assailants dragged her into isolation. The busy Habibganj area buzzed with activity, but her cries drowned in the noise. Latest news today from Bhopal underscores urban safety gaps.

Father's Ordeal at Station

Next morning, the cop father took her to MP Nagar police station. Officers inspected the scene but cited jurisdiction issues, redirecting them. The victim spotted one accused nearby, police noted.

At Habibganj station, staff balked again. Nearly 18 hours passed without an FIR. The father persisted, securing a zero FIR before GRP took over.

Jurisdiction Battles Delay Justice

Persistent shuttling between stations marked the ordeal. Officials argued over areas—RPF, GRP, or local police. Sources indicated poor coordination stalled the process despite the victim's cop father.

No immediate arrests followed. The case highlighted systemic hurdles in grave crimes.

Unanswered Questions Linger

Who were the four accused? How did the attack happen undetected near a station? Why no witnesses in peak hours? FIR delays despite a uniformed parent's pleas raise red flags.

India news update reveals recurring policing lapses in high-traffic zones.

Broader Safety Concerns

The incident shook Bhopal, spotlighting risks for women in coaching hubs. It exposed urban blind spots—shortcuts near stations turning perilous. Public outrage grew over police response.

English news portal India reports stress better lighting and patrols.

Path to Accountability

Investigations continue years later, with calls for better inter-agency ties. Government updates push women safety drives, but gaps persist. This public interest story demands swift reforms.

Trending news India watches for justice in such cases.