Bhopal Rape Victim Dies Mysteriously, Family Buries Body Secretly; Court Orders Exhumation

Bhopal- In a shocking incident from Bhopal’s Aishbagh area, an 18-year-old rape victim died under suspicious circumstances between Thursday and Friday night. The victim had earlier filed a police complaint in February, accusing a man named Ayaan of sexually exploiting her for two years under the false promise of marriage. Before the FIR was registered, she had attempted suicide by consuming toilet cleaner. Though she survived after treatment, her health continued to deteriorate. According to police, her family buried her body on Friday without informing the authorities.

Following a court order, the body was exhumed on Sunday evening in the presence of an SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate). The postmortem report is expected to reveal the exact cause of death. 

Police investigations revealed that the victim, a resident of Aishbagh, had met Ayaan two years ago, and their friendship turned into a romantic relationship. The accused allegedly manipulated her by promising marriage and engaged in a physical relationship with her while she was a minor. He assured her that he would marry her once she turned 18. However, when she reached adulthood and demanded marriage, Ayaan refused, leading to severe mental trauma.

Suicide Attempt After Betrayal

In February, after Ayaan denied marrying her, the victim attempted suicide by consuming toilet cleaner. She was rushed to the hospital and survived, but her health never fully recovered. During her treatment, she disclosed her ordeal to her family and police, leading to Ayaan’s arrest.

The victim had recorded a statement saying, "I am 18 years old and lived with my family in Aishbagh. Two years ago, I met Ayaan, who sweet-talked me into a relationship, promising marriage once I turned 18. He exploited me physically, and when I finally demanded marriage, he refused and threatened me. Broken, I attempted suicide. I want him punished for betraying me."

Based on her complaint, Ayaan was booked under IPC Section 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), and relevant POCSO Act provisions. He is currently in jail.

According to police, the victim’s condition worsened late Thursday night, leading to her death. Without informing authorities, her family buried her on Friday. When police learned about it, they approached the court for exhumation.

On Sunday, the SDM granted permission, and the body was retrieved from the grave. It has been sent to Hamidia Hospital’s mortuary for postmortem, which will be conducted under a medical board’s supervision on Monday.

SI Janardan Mishra of Aishbagh police station confirmed that the postmortem report will determine whether the death resulted from prolonged illness, poisoning, or other causes. Further legal action will follow based on the findings.

The case has raised serious questions about the victim’s sudden death and the family’s decision to bury her secretly, prompting authorities to investigate potential foul play.