Ahmedabad Police Investigate Three Disturbing Rape Cases Across City
Ahmedabad has been shaken by the reporting of three separate rape cases within the city, with incidents occurring in the Kapodra, Rander, and Athwalines areas. These cases highlight serious concerns about sexual violence and the vulnerabilities faced by victims in different circumstances.
Kapodra Case: Foster Father Accused of Repeated Assault and Blackmail
In the first and most complex case reported from the Kapodra area, a 45-year-old man stands accused of raping his foster daughter and engaging in a prolonged campaign of blackmail. According to police reports, the alleged abuse began when the victim, who married a Surat man in February of last year, visited her mother's home. Her foster father allegedly raped her when they were alone at home, threatening her with dire consequences if she disclosed the crime.
The situation escalated when the accused later contacted the victim's husband under false pretenses and lured her to his home. In July, he reportedly went to the victim's residence and raped her again, this time filming a nude video of the assault. This video became a tool for blackmail, with the accused allegedly using it to force the victim to accompany him to various hotels where he continued to sexually assault her.
The cycle of abuse only ended when the victim confided in her husband, who advised her to file a formal police complaint. This case underscores the particularly predatory nature of crimes committed by individuals in positions of trust and authority within families.
Rander Case: Woman Allegedly Drugged and Held Captive
The second case, reported from the Rander area, involves a 21-year-old woman from Kota who has accused two Surat men of rape and abetment. The victim stated that she had previously met one of the accused, identified as Aman, who invited her to Surat to celebrate her birthday.
Upon arriving in Surat on January 1, the woman alleges that Aman injected her with drugs and then raped her. She further claims that he took her to a city hotel where he sexually assaulted her again. Most alarmingly, the victim reports being confined at various locations across Surat from January 1 until January 20, when she managed to escape.
In her complaint, she has named Aman's friend, Rohit, as an accomplice who allegedly abetted the crime and physically assaulted her during her confinement. Police officials from Rander station confirmed they received a 'Zero FIR' transferred from Udhyognagar police in Kota and have registered an offence based on the complaint.
"We have called the victim to record her detailed statement as part of our investigation," a Rander police official stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the probe into this disturbing case of alleged kidnapping and sexual violence.
Athwalines Case: Mentally Unsound Woman Found Pregnant
In a third separate incident in the Athwalines area, police have registered a rape case involving a 32-year-old woman with learning difficulties. The crime came to light not through an immediate complaint, but when the woman was taken to a doctor for medical attention.
During the examination, doctors discovered she was five months pregnant, prompting her family to realize she had been sexually assaulted. The Athwalines police have since initiated a rape investigation, though details about the perpetrator remain unclear at this early stage.
This case highlights the particular vulnerability of individuals with mental health challenges and learning disabilities, who may face barriers in reporting crimes or even understanding what has happened to them.
Broader Implications and Police Response
These three cases, while geographically separate within Ahmedabad, collectively point to several critical issues:
- The exploitation of familial relationships and positions of trust
- The use of technology (video recording) for blackmail in sexual crimes
- The vulnerability of visitors to the city who may be targeted by predators
- The particular risks faced by individuals with mental health conditions
Ahmedabad police are now investigating all three incidents simultaneously, with different teams likely handling each case given their distinct circumstances and locations. The cases serve as a grim reminder of the varied forms sexual violence can take and the importance of robust investigative responses to ensure justice for victims.
