The MP government has shunted Satna district additional superintendent of police to Bhopal on Saturday in the wake of protests by a group of women who threatened to set themselves afire, alleging the police were "protecting" the accused in a minor girl gangrape case.
A spontaneous bandh was also observed in Satna over the alleged inaction by police in the case. However, the police have denied the charge.
ASP Abhishek Rajan was transferred on complaints of "soft-pedalling" the case and after women protesters carrying kerosene cans threatened to self-immolate in front of energy minister Rajendra Shukla at the Circuit House in Satna.
The protesters accused the police of trying to "shielding" six accused, including the kin of a local Janpad member in the case.
A 15-year-old girl has accused a Janpad member's daughter Niharika Singh of taking her to village Sagmaniya a year ago, where she was allegedly raped by Niharika's brother Abhishek. The accused had allegedly also filmed the act and blackmailed the girl for a year.
A week ago Abhishek and his three friends gangraped the girl, following which she lodged a police complaint on July 25.
{{/usCountry}}A week ago Abhishek and his three friends gangraped the girl, following which she lodged a police complaint on July 25.
{{/usCountry}}"We have carried out raids at many places to arrest the accused (identified as) Abhishek Singh, Vishal, Harsh, Ayush, Niharika Singh and Ritika. Abhishek and Niharika are siblings. But, no one has been arrested yet," Satna SP Sanjay Kumar said.
Sidhi MLA and former leader of opposition in MP assembly Ajay Singh has demanded immediate arrest of the accused.