Tribal Girl, Allegedly Raped and Set on Fire: Rajasthan Govt Faces Backlash Following Victim's Death

Jaipur- Sexual assault and heinous crimes against marginalized communities continue unabated in Rajasthan, putting the Bhajanlal-led BJP government under intense scrutiny.

In a single day, two disturbing incidents have emerged, highlighting the persistent violence and injustice faced by vulnerable groups across the state.

In Karauli's Hindaun city, an 11-year-old deaf and mute tribal girl allegedly, endured the unimaginable horror of being raped and burned alive by her assailants. Despite her critical condition, she fought for her life for 10 days before succumbing to her injuries during treatment in Jaipur on May 20th.

Adding to this string of atrocities, in the Surajgarh area of Jhunjhunu district, a Dalit employee working in a cow shed was subjected to severe third-degree torture. He was hung upside down with an iron pipe, his legs tied, and his soles beaten with sticks for six hours, ultimately leading to his death.

Social media is buzzing with posts condemning the incidents as activists raise their voices against the escalating violence, attributing it to the failure of state machinery and law enforcement in the state.

Amidst escalating anger, there are increasing calls for the resignation of Chief Minister Bhajanlal.

Campaign on Social Media for Rape Victim

The family's anguish over the perceived indifference of the police in the tragic case of the burning alive of a differently abled girl from Dadanpur village in Karauli district is palpable.

They have voiced their frustration by submitting a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Officer and police authorities in Todabhim, demanding swift and decisive action regarding the murder of their daughter.

Despite the victim's valiant struggle for survival, enduring critical condition for ten days before ultimately succumbing to her injuries during treatment in Jaipur on Monday, the family's distress is compounded by the perceived inaction of the authorities.

Their disappointment and anger over the lack of prompt action from the police are evident, forcing them to submit a memorandum demanding for the arrest of the accused.

The family members of the victim explained that they live with their children in a rented house in the Nai Mandi police station area and are engaged in milk and dairy work.

On May 11, around 10-11 am, their 10-year-old daughter was found in a burnt state on the road near their house. She was admitted to the district hospital in Hindaun and later referred to Jaipur in critical condition, where she died during treatment on May 20.

An FIR was lodged by the father at the Nai Mandi police station against unknown assailants. Through the report, the father of the victim stated that unknown miscreants set his daughter on fire, her private parts was badly burnt.

In a memorandum submitted to Todabhim SDM Sunita Meena and Deputy Superintendent of Police Murarilal Meena on Tuesday, May 21, the family members have made serious allegations against the police, claiming that they did not accurately register the report as per their account but instead filed the case according to their own version of events.

Reportedly, the police are currently operating under the belief that the girl came into contact with a transformer, resulting in her burns. However, the authorities have not addressed the possibility of sexual assault or whether the incident involved deliberate acts of violence such as rape followed by setting her on fire.

While sources suggest that the girl, who is deaf and mute, has identified one person, the police have not provided any official statements regarding this claim.

The silence of the authorities on these critical aspects of the case has raised concerns among the public about the thoroughness and transparency of the investigation.

The family harbor suspicions that their daughter may have been subjected to rape, adding another layer of gravity to an already harrowing situation. Despite 11 days passing since the case was registered at the New Mandi Police Station, no arrests have been made, and no legal actions have been taken.

According to a media report, New Mandi police station officer Ram Kishan Yadav indicated that one suspect has been detained based on the victim's identification. Meanwhile, a comprehensive investigation is underway to uncover further details surrounding the case.

Additionally, a post-mortem examination has been conducted by a medical board to ascertain the cause of death, and a specialized team has been deployed to the scene to collect the burnt clothes for forensic analysis.

A social media campaign demanding justice for the victim has gained significant traction, with a video depicting the victim during her hospitalization rapidly circulating online. Users across various platforms are expressing their concerns and frustrations, questioning the law and order situation in Rajasthan.

Tribal rights crusader and founder of the Tribal Army, Hansraj Meena said, "I have spoken to the victim's family on the phone. The family has told me that the local police administration and media are presenting the incident in the wrong way. They said that a heinous crime has been committed against their daughter and they want to protest for justice, but the administration is trying to suppress the matter. Hence, I request Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to ensure justice for the victim's family."

In response to the widespread condemnation on social media, the Karauli police issued a detailed update addressing the seriousness of the incident. They emphasized that upon learning of the incident, the police promptly transported the girl to the hospital and ensured that she received necessary medical attention.

Furthermore, the police confirmed that samples of the girl's skin and clothes have been sent for forensic testing by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). They assured that the investigation will proceed in accordance with the guidance of scientific experts.

Recognizing the girl's communication challenges as a deaf and mute individual, her statement was recorded with the assistance of a sign language expert to ensure accuracy and clarity. The police reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough and evidence-based investigation into the case.

Affirming their dedication to resolving the matter, the Rajasthan Police emphasized their ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind the incident. They urged against spreading unverified information on public platforms, highlighting the need for sensitivity and caution in discussing such sensitive matters.

The police reassured the public that an impartial investigation is being conducted utilizing scientific methodologies, and they expressed confidence that the truth will be revealed in due course.