Title: Outrage in India as 12-Year-Old Rape Victim Pleads for Help, Bystanders Ignore Her for Two Hours
Date: Sep. 28, 2023
Author: Jorge Fitz-Gibbon
In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, surveillance footage from India shows a 12-year-old rape victim being ignored by bystanders for two hours as she pleaded for help. The incident took place in the Central Indian city of Ujjain and culminated in the girl being rescued by a Hindu priest.
According to reports, the surveillance footage captures the bloodied and semi-naked young girl desperately seeking assistance while bystanders negligently shooed her away. The distressing incident came to light when the girl was finally saved by priest Rahul Sharma on Wednesday. Recounting the harrowing sight, Sharma stated, “She could not speak. Her eyes were swollen. I then enquired what had happened but she spoke in a language that I did not understand. I also gave her a pen and paper but she could not write anything either.”
Immediately after rescue, the girl was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she underwent surgery. The suspect, identified as Bharat Soni by The Tribune of India, is now in custody and facing charges for the brutal attack.
The video footage of the young girl desperately seeking help and being waved away by a bystander has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation. The shocking visuals of bystanders ignoring the plea for assistance highlight the urgent need for societal change and awareness regarding sexual assault.
The incident has resulted in a display of solidarity from local authorities, with several police officers lining up to donate blood for the victim. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his commitment to ensuring justice for the young girl. He stated, “We will take care of her in every way. She is my daughter as well as the state’s daughter, and we will ensure that the accused gets stringent punishment.”
The 12-year-old victim had been reported missing from the city of Stana, which is over 430 miles away from where she was found. Following the emergence of the video, the police have begun questioning individuals who had come into contact with the girl. Ujjain police superintendent Sachin Sharma revealed that five people are currently under investigation, as the victim was initially incoherent and unable to provide details about her ordeal.
This disturbing incident has once again shed light on the urgent need to address sexual violence and protect vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility society holds to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Note: Photos and video footage mentioned in the article have been excluded due to their graphic nature.