A 35-year-old woman was gang-raped and assaulted with a wooden object inserted into her body during a robbery attempt in Madhya Pradesh's Shajapur district, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred late Friday night when the woman was alone at her home in a village under the Susner police station area.
Details of the Attack
According to police, three men broke into the woman's house around 11:30 pm, demanding cash and valuables. When she resisted, the accused allegedly overpowered her and took turns raping her. They then inserted a wooden object into her private parts, causing severe injuries. The assailants fled with jewellery and cash worth about Rs 50,000.
The victim's family members, who were away, returned home early Saturday morning and found her in a critical condition. They rushed her to a local hospital, from where she was referred to a higher medical facility in Indore for advanced treatment.
Police Investigation and Response
Shajapur Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar Singh said a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape, gang rape, robbery, and causing grievous hurt. "We have formed multiple teams to nab the accused. Preliminary investigations suggest the attackers were known to the victim," Singh said.
Police have detained two suspects for questioning and are searching for the third accused. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the crime scene. The victim's statement has been recorded under section 164 of the CrPC before a magistrate.
"The woman is undergoing treatment at Indore's Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital. Her condition is stable but serious," said Dr. Anil Sharma, the medical officer on duty.
Community Outrage and Security Concerns
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who staged a protest demanding stricter action against the accused and better security for women in the area. Village sarpanch Geeta Bai said, "We are shocked by the brutality. The administration must ensure the culprits are punished swiftly."
Authorities have increased police patrolling in the region. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the victim and assured free medical treatment. Women's rights activists have called for a fast-track trial.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, Madhya Pradesh reported over 4,500 rape cases in 2025, one of the highest in the country. This latest case highlights the persistent issue of violence against women in rural areas.
