In a shocking incident near Mhow, Indore district, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the assault of two junior Indian Army officers and the alleged rape of their female companion. Madhya Pradesh Police confirmed the arrests of Anil Baror (27), Pawan Bansunia (23), and Ritesh Bhabhar (25). The accused were produced in court and remanded into police custody for five days.According to the sources, the arrests came after strong criticism from Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, who blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to maintain law and order in the state.Details of the incidentSuperintendent of Police (Rural), Hitika Vasal, shared that Bhabhar allegedly brandished a pistol during the attack, while the others carried sticks. The incident occurred near Jam Gate, a well-known tourist spot located 30 km from Mhow military cantonment, in the early hours of Wednesday.The Army officers, aged 23 and 24, were undergoing a Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow. They were out on a picnic with two female friends when the assault took place. According to police, the accused confronted the group around 2 am, attacking one officer and his female friend who were in their car. The second officer and his female companion, who were on a nearby hilltop, rushed to the scene when they heard the commotion.Following the attack, police arrived and escorted the officers and their friends to Mhow civil hospital for medical examination.Medical Report and InvestigationThe medical report raised concerns after confirming injuries on one of the women, including scratch marks, but there was no conclusive evidence of rape or gang rape. One officer suspected sexual assault, leading the police to file charges under sections for gang rape, dacoity, extortion, and voluntarily causing hurt, along with the Arms Act.However, Superintendent of Police Rupesh Dwivedi clarified that while sections for rape were invoked, they would only take effect if the victim confirmed the assault in her statement.With three suspects still on the run, police have announced a Rs 10,000 reward for information leading to their capture.More developments are awaited.
