A harrowing incident has shocked the nation as details emerge of a Congress party leader and his associates allegedly raping 23 women under the guise of offering them employment as ‘Anganwadi workers’. The distressing events unfolded in Sirohi city of Rajasthan, leaving the victims traumatised and demanding justice.
According to a report by Gantantra News, the primary accused have been identified as Municipal Corporation Chairman Mahendra Mewada and former Municipal Commissioner Mahendra Choudhary. The victims were reportedly lured from Pali to Sirohi under false pretences and then coerced into staying at a wine shop.
It is alleged that Mahendra Mewada, Mahendra Choudhary, and a group of 10–15 other men drugged the women, rendering them unconscious, before subjecting them to horrific acts of sexual assault. Disturbingly, the accused purportedly filmed the assaults, displaying a callous disregard for the victim’s suffering.
According to the complainant, the victim, along with other women, travelled to Sirohi several months ago to work in Anganwadi. They encountered the accused, who provided them with accommodation and meals.
She further alleged that the food they were served contained sedatives, after consuming which they were subjected to sexual assault.
Subsequently, the perpetrators used the recorded videos to blackmail the women, demanding exorbitant sums of Rs 5 lakhs from each victim. Upon regaining consciousness, the victims were appallingly informed of the violations they endured under the guise of employment opportunities.
“We had a lot of fun with all of you. That’s why we called you guys by deceit,” allegedly stated Mewada and Choudhary to the traumatised women, adding insult to injury by coercing them to sign blank papers and imprinting their thumb impressions.
Initially, eight courageous women lodged a complaint with the police against Mahendra Mewara and Mahendra Choudhary, demanding swift justice. Shockingly, it has been revealed that these complaints were filed prior to the Rajasthan election polls when the Congress government held power, yet no action was taken against the accused until the BJP government assumed office.
The case garnered attention only after a Rajasthan court intervened, prompting an investigation spearheaded by CO Sirohi Parasaram. In response to the gravity of the situation, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has formed a committee to delve deeper into the matter.
In a bid to defend themselves, accused Mahendra Mewada cried foul over the allegations, dismissing them as part of a conspiracy to malign his reputation. “A conspiracy has been hatched against me,” he asserted, pointing to a previous case which he claims was proven false. Similarly, Mahendra Choudhary denied any involvement, asserting his innocence and questioning the validity of the accusations against him.
As investigations unfold, the nation waits with bated breath for justice to be served to the victims of this heinous crime, while the accused continue to protest their innocence amidst mounting evidence.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Paras Choudhary, stated that the women had previously filed a false complaint. However, the Rajasthan High Court has now ordered a case to be registered following a petition by eight women.
