Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed strong condemnation regarding the attack on two Indian Army officers and the alleged gang rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district. He described the incident as a “disgrace to the entire society” and criticized the law and order situation in states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Incident Details: Officers and Friends Attacked During Picnic
On Wednesday night, the two Army officers, along with their two female friends, were reportedly attacked by unidentified assailants while on a picnic in the Indore district. According to reports, one of the women was raped during the assault.
Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism of Law and Order
Gandhi took to social media, writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), “The violence against two army soldiers and the rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh is enough to shame the entire society. Law and order in BJP-ruled states is almost non-existent.” He further highlighted his concern about the BJP government’s approach to addressing crimes against women, stating, “The negative attitude of the BJP Government towards the day-by-day increasing crimes against women is extremely worrying.”
Failure of Administration and Impact on Women’s Safety
Gandhi went on to criticize the administrative failure that allows such crimes to occur, remarking that the boldness of the criminals reflects the inefficiency of the administration. He emphasized how this environment of insecurity limits the freedom and aspirations of women across India. “This audacity of the criminals is a result of the total failure of the administration and the unsafe environment prevailing in the country,” Gandhi added.
Police Investigation Underway
Badgonda police station in-charge, Lokendra Singh Hirore, provided details about the victims. The officers, aged 23 and 24, were undergoing training at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town and had gone for a picnic with their friends. The attack took place on Wednesday around 2 a.m. when a group of 6-7 men arrived at the picnic site on Mhow-Mandleshwar road and assaulted one officer and a female companion sitting in their car.
Call for Accountability and Protection of Women
In his final remarks, Gandhi urged both society and the government to reflect on their responsibilities. He emphasized, “Both the society and the government should be ashamed and think seriously – how long will they turn a blind eye to the responsibility of protecting half the population of the country!”
This statement further ignites the ongoing debate over the state of law and order in the country, particularly in regions governed by the BJP.