Sakti SI Faces Rape, Blackmail Charges

Woman Levels Serious Allegations

A married woman from Sakti, Chhattisgarh, accuses Sub-Inspector Kamal Merisha of rape, capturing nude videos, forcing an abortion, and ongoing blackmail. The duo connected via Facebook three years ago when Merisha served in Dantewada. Their interactions intensified after his posting in Sakti.

Facebook Friendship Turns Sour

Merisha posed as unmarried and promised to adopt her daughter, sources indicated. Physical relations followed during her husband's absence. The woman, mother to a young girl abandoned by her spouse, shared sonography videos confirming pregnancy in January 2024.

Sakti police station handles the complaint, yet faces inaction claims.

Forced Abortion Revealed

Merisha allegedly gave abortion pills without consent, leading to miscarriage. Relations continued post-incident. His wife's call later exposed his marriage and child, shattering trust.

Suicide Bid Follows Shock

Distraught, the woman consumed pesticide in a suicide attempt. Merisha rushed her to MalkhRaoda health centre for treatment. He then blocked her number, prompting her January 29, 2026, complaint at Sakti thana.

Complaints Ignored Alleges Victim

SDOP Sakti took initial probe, but the woman claims four visits to SP and IG offices yielded no action. She shared call logs and videos demanding justice. Police sources confirm ongoing review.

Threat at SDOP Office

On March 28, 2026, Merisha reportedly showed objectionable material outside SDOP office, threatening virality and false cases. Pressured, she withdrew the complaint temporarily. Harassment persisted.

SI Denies All Charges

Merisha calls accusations false, per reports. Dainik Bhaskar tried contacting Additional SP Pankaj Patel, but received no response. No formal arrest or suspension yet.

Broader Women Safety Concerns

Case spotlights police accountability in Chhattisgarh, amid rising complaints against officers. Victims hesitate due to threats. Public demands swift probe.

Ambikapur Horror: Woman’s Head Crushed, Plastic Bottle Found in Private Parts

Rape And Murder Suspected

A woman’s body with a crushed skull and a plastic bottle inserted in her private parts was found near the Mahamaya entrance on Ring Road here early Friday morning. Police have registered a murder case and suspect sexual assault before the killing, as per officials.

Body Found at Meat Shop

The blood-soaked body of a middle-aged woman was discovered inside a roadside meat shop around dawn. Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Agrawal and Additional SP Amolak Singh reached the spot along with forensic and dog squad teams. Officials said the throat was slit with a sharp weapon, and the face was deliberately smashed to hide identity.

Plastic Bottle Recovered

During the initial examination, investigators found a plastic bottle lodged in the woman’s private parts. “Prima facie, this appears to be a murder case. But the presence of the bottle points to a possible sexual assault,” a police source told this English news portal India. The forensic team collected blood samples and other evidence from the crime scene.

CCTV Footage Being Analysed

Police are now scanning multiple CCTV cameras installed in the vicinity. Local councillor Satish Bari said footage from one camera showed the woman walking with a man late Thursday night. “Another camera near the crime spot is also being examined. The accused will be arrested soon,” Bari added.

No Identification Yet

Authorities have not yet identified the victim. No missing person complaint matching her description has been filed in Ambikapur or surrounding areas. The body has been sent to the district hospital for post-mortem. Police have also questioned local residents and shopkeepers for any leads.

Public Outrage Grows

The brutal nature of the crime has sparked anger among residents of the Ring Road locality. Women’s rights groups have demanded fast-track court proceedings once the accused is caught. “Such savagery cannot be tolerated. We want immediate arrest and strict punishment,” said a local activist.

What Next for Investigation

Additional SP Amolak Singh said teams have been formed to nab the suspect within days. “We are working on multiple angles, including whether the victim was a sex worker or a homeless woman. The CCTV analysis is key,” he stated. Police have also alerted checkpoints across Sarguja district to track any suspicious movement.

According to officials, a dog squad traced a trail from the crime scene for nearly 200 metres before losing the scent on the main road. The police have appealed to citizens to report any information about missing women or unusual activity in the area. A reward for information leading to the arrest is being considered.

Raipur Civic Body’s ₹1600 Crore Budget Proposes New Event Tax, Cleanliness Fee for Community Feasts

The budget, set to be presented on March 30, introduces user charges for public events and community kitchens while keeping existing taxes unchanged, with a focus on resolving long-pending civic issues.

The Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC) is set to table a ₹1,600 crore budget for the fiscal year on March 30, introducing a new levy that will require organisers to pay for holding public events and community feasts. For the first time, the civic body has proposed a user charge for exhibitions, expos, magic shows, and fairs, regardless of whether they are held on private or government land, aiming to offset sanitation and waste management costs.

New Tax on Events

Under the proposed financial plan, organisers will be required to pay a daily fee of ₹500 for every 10,000 square feet of area used for events. This charge will apply to a wide range of gatherings, including commercial exhibitions and community fairs. Officials have clarified that this is not a revenue-generation measure but a user fee intended to cover the cost of cleaning and waste disposal associated with such large gatherings.

Cleanliness Fee Rationale

The budget also introduces a mandatory sanitation fee for community feasts, known locally as bhandaras, and langars. Organisers of these community kitchens will have to pay a daily ₹500 fee. Municipal officials stated that during festivals and religious processions, a significant amount of waste is generated at roadside community kitchens. The advance payment is designed to ensure better waste management and proper cleanliness after the events conclude.

Focus on Women’s Safety

Sources indicate that this year’s budget places a strong emphasis on women’s safety and convenience. The civic body is expected to launch new digital initiatives aimed at empowering women, with substantial funding allocations set aside for these projects. Additionally, a proposal for free travel for women in city buses is under consideration, a move aimed at improving mobility and accessibility for female residents.

Solving the Waterlogging Crisis

Moving beyond cosmetic projects, a significant portion of the budget has been allocated to tackle chronic civic problems. A key priority is Professor Colony, a residential area that faces severe waterlogging every monsoon. The persistent flooding leaves dozens of homes submerged, making it difficult for residents to enter their properties. A comprehensive plan with dedicated funding has been proposed to permanently resolve this issue.

Mayor’s Second Budget

This marks Mayor Meenal Choubey’s second budget presentation, following a ₹1,529 crore budget last year. Unlike the previous fiscal plan, which focused heavily on beautification, road infrastructure, and traffic improvements, this year’s blueprint prioritises basic services like electricity, water supply, and road repairs. Mayor Choubey emphasised a practical approach, stating that the focus is on solving real problems rather than making hollow announcements.

What Next for the City

The budget will be presented alongside 17 key agenda items in the municipal council meeting. These include proposals to name a square after martyr ASP Akash Rao Girepunje and rename a road after freedom fighter Ayodhya Prasad. The rehabilitation of shopkeepers from the Kiran Building is also on the list. With a focus on fiscal prudence and resolving infrastructure bottlenecks, the new Raipur civic budget aims to balance event regulation with urban development.

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.

Chhindwara Gang Rape Case: Survivor Alleges Assault After Being Intoxicated at Hotel Party

In a shocking development in the Chhindwara gang rape case, police have arrested one accused while another remains absconding after a young woman alleged she was sexually assaulted at a hotel following a party invitation. The incident occurred late Monday night in Chhindwara, triggering widespread concern over women’s safety in the region.

According to police officials, the survivor claimed that two men took her to Amber Hotel near Alka Talkies under the pretext of attending a party. She alleged that the accused offered her beer and, after she became intoxicated, sexually assaulted her one after the other.

The case has been registered at Kotwali police station, and further investigation is underway.

Acquaintance Intervenes, Survivor Taken for Medical Care

The Chhindwara gang rape case came to light when an acquaintance of the woman learned about the incident and rushed to the hotel. She then escorted the survivor to Kotwali police station.

Police sources said the woman was heavily intoxicated at the time and unable to give a detailed statement. She was admitted to the district hospital for primary treatment and medical examination.

On Tuesday, following medical procedures and preliminary verification, a formal case was registered against the two accused — identified as Durgesh Harode and Atul Ghorase.

Police Action: One Arrested, Search On for Second Accused

Confirming developments in the Chhindwara gang rape case, Kotwali Inspector Ashish Kumar stated that the survivor and the accused were previously acquainted. Based on this familiarity, she had agreed to attend the gathering.

Police officials said:

 One accused has been taken into custody.

 Raids are ongoing to trace the absconding suspect.

 CCTV footage from the hotel and nearby areas is being examined.

 Forensic evidence is being collected as part of the investigation.

Authorities have assured that strict legal action will follow as per relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Why This Case Matters Now

Incidents like the Chhindwara gang rape case highlight ongoing concerns around women’s safety, especially in social settings involving acquaintances. Crime data trends in Madhya Pradesh have repeatedly brought focus to preventive policing, awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement.

Experts in criminal law emphasize:

 Consent cannot be assumed under intoxication.

 Hotels and hospitality establishments must enforce guest safety protocols.

 Quick medical examination is critical for evidence preservation.

Women’s rights activists have called for stronger monitoring of public venues and faster trial processes in sexual assault cases.

Actionable Safety Takeaways

While responsibility always lies with perpetrators, safety experts suggest:

 Inform trusted contacts before attending private gatherings.

 Avoid excessive alcohol consumption in unfamiliar environments.

 Use verified transportation when returning home.

 Immediately report suspicious behavior to authorities.

Police have urged citizens to report any information related to the absconding accused to help expedite the investigation.

The Chhindwara gang rape case has once again raised pressing questions about safety, accountability, and community vigilance in Madhya Pradesh. With one accused in custody and search operations underway for the second suspect, authorities have promised swift justice.

As investigations continue, the case serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective responsibility — from law enforcement to civil society — in ensuring safer public and private spaces for women.

Supreme Court Restores Attempt to Rape Charge, Overturns Allahabad High Court Order in POCSO Case

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court restores attempt to rape charge in a controversial case from Uttar Pradesh, overturning a March 2025 order of the Allahabad High Court. The apex court ruled that acts such as groping a minor, breaking her pyjama string, and attempting to drag her to a secluded spot clearly fall within the ambit of attempt to rape.

The verdict, delivered by a bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant of the Supreme Court of India, comes after the top court took suo motu cognisance of the High Court’s observations, which had sparked widespread criticism across legal and civil society circles.

Background of the Kasganj Minor Assault Case

The case relates to a 2021 incident in Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh. According to the complaint filed by the victim’s mother in January 2022, three youths allegedly stopped her 14-year-old daughter on the pretext of dropping her home.

The accused reportedly:

 Touched the minor’s private parts

 Attempted to drag her under a culvert

 Broke the string of her pyjama

 Allegedly threatened bystanders with a country-made pistol

A case was registered under relevant sections of the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). The special POCSO court in Kasganj issued summons in 2023.

Allahabad High Court Verdict Triggered Controversy

On March 17, 2025, the Allahabad High Court held that the alleged acts did not amount to rape or attempt to rape. It dropped IPC Section 376 and Section 18 of the POCSO Act, directing that the accused be tried under lesser charges related to sexual harassment.

The Allahabad High Court verdict drew sharp criticism. Legal experts argued that such reasoning diluted the seriousness of sexual crimes against minors and risked setting a troubling precedent.

Supreme Court’s Strong Observations

The Supreme Court restores attempt to rape charge, stating unequivocally that physical acts demonstrating clear sexual intent and preparation can constitute attempt to rape.

Earlier, while staying the High Court’s order, the bench had observed that certain remarks reflected an “insensitive and inhuman approach.” The court also cautioned judicial authorities against using language that could intimidate victims or discourage them from pursuing justice.

During hearings in December 2025, the apex court emphasized that judicial reasoning must remain sensitive in cases involving minors, especially under the POCSO framework.

Why This Judgment Matters Now

At a time when crimes against women and minors remain a major concern, this ruling reinforces:

 A stricter interpretation of sexual assault laws

 Protection of minors under the POCSO Act

 Judicial accountability in sensitive cases

Legal experts believe the judgment may guide future courts in interpreting what constitutes “attempt” in sexual offence cases. It also signals that higher courts will intervene if lower court rulings appear to undermine victim protection.

Practical Takeaways

For legal practitioners and observers:

 Courts may adopt a broader interpretation of “attempt” in sexual crimes.

 POCSO-related cases will likely see stricter judicial scrutiny.

 Victim-sensitive language in judgments is now under sharper focus.

By overturning the High Court’s order, the Supreme Court restores attempt to rape charge and sends a strong message on safeguarding minors’ rights. The ruling not only corrects a controversial interpretation but also strengthens the legal framework protecting children under Indian law.

As debates around judicial sensitivity and women’s safety continue nationwide, this landmark decision is likely to shape future legal discourse and reinforce public trust in the justice system.