In a shocking turn of events, an auto-rickshaw driver, identified as Bharat Soni, who was arrested in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, sustained injuries while attempting to escape from authorities during a crime scene reconstruction, according to police reports on Thursday. The incident has sparked outrage across the state, with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan vowing to ensure the “strictest punishment” for the accused.
Inspector Ajay Kumar of the Mahakal Police Station in Ujjain provided details of the dramatic escape attempt. He stated that while authorities were at the crime scene, Bharat Soni seized an opportunity to flee. Police personnel swiftly pursued him, resulting in a chase that ended with Soni falling onto the cement road, sustaining injuries to his arms and legs.
During the escape attempt, Soni allegedly pushed police officials, leading to injuries for two officers as well. Bharat Soni was subsequently admitted to the Civil Hospital in Ujjain, where he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his determination to bring the perpetrator to justice, saying, “We will leave no stone unturned in getting him punished…Such criminals are not fit to be a part of society. He has injured the soul of Madhya Pradesh. She is my daughter, daughter of Madhya Pradesh. We will care about her.”
The young victim, who hails from Satna, had arrived in Ujjain after boarding an auto-rickshaw at Jeevan Kheri. Bloodstains were discovered on the passenger seat of the autorickshaw, prompting a forensic examination of the vehicle.
Additionally, police have announced that a case will be registered against another auto driver who allegedly failed to inform authorities about the incident.
The horrifying incident came to light after a video of the 12-year-old girl, semi-naked and bleeding, walking on the streets of Ujjain, went viral on social media. Subsequently, an FIR was registered at the Mahakal Police Station, leading to the arrest of the auto-rickshaw driver.
The girl, who was found bleeding on a road in Mahakal police station limits in Ujjain, was taken to a hospital where a medical examination confirmed that she had been raped. Reports indicated that no one came to her aid for more than two hours as she wandered the streets seeking help. The victim is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Indore.
