2 Jodhpur sisters die by suicide within 2 months after years of gangrape, blackmail; kin accuse police inaction

JODHPUR: Alleged police negligence in acting on a gangrape complaint and repeated threats from the accused sparked outrage in Jodhpur on Saturday after two sisters died by suicide within two months in Kherapa area of Jodhpur.

The younger sister, a married woman and mother of two, died on Friday after allegedly consuming pesticide atop a water tank in protest over the lack of police action against eight accused of sexually assaulting and blackmailing her and her elder sister.

The elder sister died by suicide on March 20 after years of alleged exploitation.

According to police and family members, the younger woman lodged an FIR on April 11 accusing eight persons of gangrape, criminal intimidation and blackmail.

She alleged that the accused had filmed obscene videos of her elder sister and used them to sexually exploit and extort money from her over several years. After the elder sister’s death, the accused allegedly began targeting the younger sister as well, threatening to circulate videos on social media.

In her complaint to the police, the woman alleged that the main accused, identified as an e-Mitra kiosk operator, repeatedly assaulted her at hotels and isolated locations. She also claimed that another accused assaulted her at a hotel and at her residence. Despite the FIR being registered, no arrests or concrete action were taken even after a month, the family alleged.

On Friday morning, the woman climbed a water tank in her village and reportedly demanded justice. Villagers informed the police and administration, following which senior officials reached the spot and tried to persuade her to come down. However, as police personnel began climbing the tank to rescue her, she allegedly consumed pesticide. She was rushed to a local hospital and later referred to Jodhpur, but died on the way.

SP, Jodhpur Rural, PD Nitya, however, claimed that when the elder sister died, a case had been registered but it had no rape charges.

“When the second FIR was lodged on April 11, a senior officer was roped in for investigation, which was ongoing,” said Nitya, adding that now she herself is looking into the matter.

The incident has triggered tension and protests, with the members of the Rajput community refusing to accept the body and staging a sit-in outside MDM Hospital. They are demanding strict action against both the accused and police officials allegedly responsible for inaction.

Community President Hanuman Singh alleged that the victim had submitted written warnings to the police, stating that she might be forced to take her own life if justice was denied. The accused, she claimed, continued threatening her even after the FIR, allegedly boasting of police protection.