Deaf-Mute Woman Assaulted in Balrampur

A tragic incident unfolded in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, where a deaf and mute woman was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped while returning home from her maternal uncle’s residence on Monday evening. The assault occurred just meters away from the homes of top district officials, raising concerns about the effectiveness of local surveillance systems. Despite the presence of CCTV cameras in the area, they were reportedly non-operational at the time of the incident.

Family’s Desperate Search and Medical Response

The woman’s family grew worried when she did not return home within an hour. Their search led them to a field near a police post, where they found her in distress. She was immediately taken to the district women’s hospital for treatment. Doctors have reported that while she is stable, she remains in shock due to the traumatic experience.

Police Investigation and Arrests

Upon receiving a complaint from the woman’s brother, the police launched an investigation. Within 24 hours, they arrested two suspects, Ankur Verma and Harshit Pandey. Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar stated that evidence and CCTV footage helped identify the perpetrators. The accused were injured during an encounter with law enforcement and are currently receiving medical care. They have confessed to their involvement in the crime.

Operation Trinetra’s Effectiveness Questioned

The incident has put Uttar Pradesh’s Operation Trinetra under scrutiny. This initiative involves installing CCTV cameras across districts to enhance public safety. However, the woman’s family claims negligence as several cameras were found switched off during the attack. A crucial 14-second video from a camera near the Superintendent of Police’s house captured vital evidence, showing the woman being chased by bikers, which aided in apprehending the suspects.