A very horrific incident has rocked the tribal-dominated Khalwa region of Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district. A 45-year-old tribal woman was allegedly gang-raped and brutally assaulted. The assault was so brutal leading to the death of the woman due to excessive bleeding.

The police have arrested two men, identified as Hari Palvi (36-40) and Sunil Dhurve (26-32), both are acquaintances of the victim. The shocking crime, which bears grim similarities to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, occurred on May 23. The gruesome incident has sent shivers down the spine of the nation.

The Horrific Incident

According to reports the victim is a mother of two. She had attended a wedding ceremony on Friday night. The police stated that, after the wedding, she and Hari Palvi escorted another relative to her village. However, when she did not return home, her family initially assumed she had stayed back at the wedding location.

Reports suggest that the woman later went to Hari’s house. Soon they were joined by Sunil Dhurve. All three reportedly consumed alcohol at Hari’s home. Taking advantage of the situation, Hari and Sunil allegedly brutally gang-raped the woman.

“After the wedding celebration, she set out on Friday night to drop off a female relative along with one of the accused, Hari, at a nearby field, just half a kilometre from her home. When she didn’t return that night, her family assumed she had stayed back with them. The woman went to Hari’s home where they consumed alcohol along with co-accused Sunil,” said ASP Raghuwanshi.

Two men, who were the last to be seen with her, have been arrested, said DIG Siddharth Bahuguna, adding: “The accused had tortured the woman and damaged her private parts.”

Discovery and Dying Declaration

According to reports, the next morning, Hari’s mother discovered the woman’s body. The woman was found in an injured and bleeding state in the courtyard of the house. She immediately informed the victim’s family, who lived barely half a kilometer away.

“They took her to their home but did not take her to hospital although she was bleeding excessively. She died around 1:30-2pm after which the family members dialled 100 and informed police. The body was taken to a hospital for post-mortem examination,” said ASP Raghuwanshi.

The woman was reportedly dragged through the ground where she was found. The body had scratches and signs of struggle. Though gravely injured, she briefly regained consciousness and, in a dying declaration to her family. The victim reportedly stated, “Something terrible has happened to me, I will not survive. Sunil and Hari did this.” She tragically succumbed to her injuries between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday.

Post-Mortem Reveals Extreme Brutality

The victim was subjected to extreme brutality, according to a preliminary post-mortem report. Dr. Seema Sood, forensic expert and head of post-mortem investigation stated that the woman died from severe injuries and excessive bleeding. She further said that the victim had noticeable genital injury marks and protruding intestines.

Authorities believe that she suffered fatal internal organ damage after an iron rod or other hard, sharp object was inserted into her privates. However the doctors stated that there was no damage to the uterus.

One of the doctors on the post-mortem panel said, “The woman had suffered a vaginal tear in a way that her intestinal contents had come out. She had suffered heavy blood loss due to intestinal bleeding. Her uterus and bladder were intact but the pouch containing the uterus was ripped. It is suspected that a hard object like a rod or a stick was used. Marks of dragging and scratches were also found on the body.”

Arrests and Charges

Following the death of the woman, her family lodged an official complaint. Police responded right away to the victim’s death and her family’s complaint arresting the culprits. Sunil Dhurve and Hari Palvi, both of whom work in the same village. Both are members of the Kurku tribal community like the victim were taken into custody.

Both the accused have been booked on charges of gang rape and murder under sections 103(1), 66, and 70(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigations are still in progress.

Additional SP Rajesh Raghuwanshi said, “A short post-mortem report has confirmed grievous internal trauma to the private parts. Based on this, a case of gang rape and murder has been registered against Hari Palvi, 40, and Sunil Korku, 30, residents of the same village who work as labourers.”

Suspected Robbery Angle

According to police reports, the victim’s family has also raised the suspicion of robbery. They stated that the woman was carrying Rs 20,000, savings handed to her by her younger son and daughter. The woman’s children had recently returned from Goa after a working stint. The family believes she may have been robbed before being sexually assaulted and tortured.

Meanwhile, the gruesome incident has drawn sharp reactions from political parties. The Congress party has condemned the incident, stating that Madhya Pradesh is turning into the country’s “rape capital.” The party has criticized Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who also holds the Home Minister portfolio, for his alleged failure to maintain law and order.

The Congress has further demanded the establishment of a fast-track court for the case to ensure the perpetrators receive the harshest possible punishment.