30 September,2023 12:26 PM IST | Indore | mid-day online correspondent
MP Congress chief Kamal Nath/ X
Madhya Pradesh Congress President, Kamal Nath, expressed profound dismay on Saturday regarding the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Ujjain, emphasizing that this incident has cast a dark shadow over the state. During his statement, he took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, asserting that such heinous crimes have been occurring regularly within the state but have largely remained hidden from public scrutiny.
The young minor was discovered in an injured state while walking along a street in Ujjain earlier this week. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed that she had been subjected to rape, according to the local police, the PTI report stated.
According to the report, Kamal Nath visited the government-run Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar Women's Hospital in Indore, where the minor underwent a significant surgical procedure on Wednesday, to inquire about her condition. He reported that the medical professionals attending to her indicated that her post-surgery condition was stable, and her physical health was improving. However, she continued to grapple with significant mental distress, prompting the appointment of a psychiatrist for her care.
The harrowing ordeal endured by the 12-year-old girl has not only cast a shadow over the state but has also highlighted the prevalence of such incidents that often remain hidden, claimed the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.
Nath took a firm stance against the state government, alleging that Madhya Pradesh holds the unenviable position of leading the country in terms of corruption and acts of violence against women and tribal communities. He lamented that the state has regrettably become synonymous with corruption and scandals.
Kamal Nath reassured the victim's family that the Congress party would extend all possible assistance to them, including arrangements for her transfer to a prominent hospital in Delhi for advanced medical care. However, he noted that the local doctors treating her believed that her health was steadily improving, suggesting that transferring her to another city might not be necessary, the report stated.
In a significant development, the police arrested Bharat Soni, an autorickshaw driver, on Thursday in connection with the alleged rape. During the investigation, Soni attempted to flee while accompanying the police to recreate the crime scene and collect evidence, such as torn clothing, but he was promptly apprehended.
A counsellor engaged with the victim revealed that she hails from the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, though she was unable to provide her name or address accurately.
