In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through Vadodara, Gujarat, a 55-year-old Hindu woman fell victim to a brutal gang rape while seeking domestic work to support her family. The heinous crime occurred in the Khodiyarnagar area of Vadodara, where the victim, desperate for employment, was lured under false pretences by the perpetrators.
The primary accused, Vakil Ahmed Pathan, a rickshaw driver, orchestrated the assault, aided by his accomplices, Chaman Khan Pathan and Shaukat Khan Pathan. Exploiting the victim’s vulnerability, Pathan promised her employment opportunities and, under the guise of facilitating work, ferried her to a secluded location in the Chhani area, where his cohorts awaited.
Despite the victim’s protests, the trio subjected her to a nightmarish ordeal, forcibly raping her in succession before fleeing the scene, leaving her traumatised and alone. Promptly informed by the victim’s daughter, law enforcement authorities sprang into action, swiftly apprehending all three perpetrators.
It was revealed that the victim, residing in close proximity to the police station, had been actively seeking employment, a quest that tragically led her into the clutches of her assailants. Manipulating her desperation, Pathan ensnared her with false promises of work, ultimately betraying her trust and subjecting her to unspeakable violence.
Following the complaint, police mobilised four teams, leveraging CCTV footage to track down the culprits. The swift arrest was facilitated by identifying the autorickshaw used in the crime, leading to the apprehension of Pathan and his cohorts within hours.
Currently undergoing medical examinations, both the victim and the accused are being evaluated by authorities. It has been noted that Chaman Khan has a history of involvement in criminal activities, while Pathan and Shaukat Khan have minor offences on record.
Detailing the crime, DCP M.P. Bhojani affirmed that Pathan exploited the victim’s vulnerability, exploiting her hopes for employment to perpetrate the heinous assault alongside his associates.
The apprehension of the perpetrators brings a semblance of justice to the victim and underscores the urgent need for enhanced measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals against such appalling acts of violence.
