Seven Arrested, Including One Minor, for Gangrape of Four Tribal Girls in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat

In a horrific incident in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, three tribal minor girls (aged 15, 16, and 17) and a 21-year-old tribal woman were gangraped by seven individuals on April 23, 2025. The crime took place in the Hatta police station area around 1-2 a.m. as the victims were returning home from a wedding ceremony in Thakurtola village, accompanied by their uncle.

According to Balaghat Superintendent of Police (SP) Nagendra Singh, the seven accused, riding two motorcycles, chased the group, intimidated and drove away the uncle, and abducted the four girls. They took the victims to a nearby forest, where they gangraped them. The accused, identified as Lokesh Matre, Lalchand Khare, Ajendra Bahe, Ajju Bagdate, Rajendra Kawre, Maniram Bahel (all aged 20-28), and one minor, belong to the OBC community, while the victims are from tribal communities.

The police were informed when some victims and their families filed complaints on April 25, 2025. Within six hours, all seven accused were apprehended. The six adult accused were arrested and sent to judicial custody, while the minor was detained and sent to a correctional home after appearing in a local court. SP Singh assured strict action, stating, “We will ensure they get the strictest punishment.”

A case has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for gangrape and kidnapping, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for crimes against minors, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act due to the victims’ tribal identity. Some survivors are receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

The incident has sparked outrage, with local tribal organizations and villagers demanding severe punishment. Reports suggest some villagers initially attempted a compromise, but the police acted swiftly after the formal complaint. This case has reignited concerns about women’s safety in rural areas and the vulnerability of tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh.