The recent incident at the Jam Gate tourist spot, where two army officers were robbed and one of their female friends was allegedly gang-raped, has once again raised concerns about the safety of visitors to secluded locations around Indore. While this shocking crime is making headlines, it has also drawn attention to another harrowing case that emerged nearly nine years ago: the Kajligarh Fort gang rape case.
The Kajligarh Fort incident, which allegedly saw more than 45 women gang-raped over a two-year period, shook the region when it came to light. Despite confessions from gang members and the subsequent arrest of suspects, a lack of cooperation from victims and questionable handling by authorities meant the case has faded from the public eye without a definitive resolution.
The Kajligarh Fort Gang Rape Case
In 2015, a group of B.Tech students visiting Kajligarh Fort was attacked by a gang. What started as a robbery quickly unraveled a more sinister history when police began their investigation. While initially the attackers escaped, police were able to apprehend suspects based on clues, including unusual spending patterns of certain youths who were purchasing expensive mobile phones and other items.
Upon detention and interrogation, the suspects, including the gang’s leader Sanjay Katara and key accomplice Karan Dawar, revealed that they had been responsible for a series of robberies and gang rapes at Kajligarh Fort. The gang admitted to having assaulted more than 45 women during a period of two years, targeting couples who visited the isolated fort.
The crimes were committed to fund the gang’s drug addiction, and despite these confessions, the case faced a major roadblock — the victims themselves. Fearing public shame or simply too traumatized to pursue justice, none of the victims came forward to file a formal complaint.
Lack of Victim Complaints: A Stumbling Block for Justice
While the Kajligarh gang rape case was shocking in its scale and brutality, it was ultimately undermined by the reluctance of the victims to cooperate with authorities. Former Indore West Superintendent of Police, D. Kalyan Chakraborty, who oversaw the case, revealed that despite multiple arrests and the filing of FIRs, the case could not proceed as the victims refused to lodge complaints.
Chakraborty explained that, although some of the accused had confessed to their crimes, the lack of direct testimony from victims made it difficult to build a robust legal case. After an extended investigation, only two or three victims eventually came forward, allowing the police to register a case and file chargesheets against the accused. However, the absence of widespread complaints from the majority of victims stifled further action.
A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Indore bench of the High Court, seeking accountability for the failure to pursue justice in the Kajligarh case. However, despite the severity of the crimes, the government did not act on the police reports, and no decisive steps have been taken since.
Jam Gate Incident: A Chilling Reminder
The recent attack at Jam Gate, a popular tourist spot near Indore, has brought back grim memories of the Kajligarh case. On September 13, 2024, two army officers and their female friend were ambushed by armed criminals. The officers were severely beaten, and the woman was allegedly gang-raped. Like the Kajligarh case, the woman has been too traumatized to give a statement to the police.
Police Superintendent Hitika Vasal has stated that all six suspects involved in the Jam Gate attack have been arrested, with the main accused, Anil Baror, having a history of serious crimes including extortion, robbery, and family disputes. The other arrested individuals also have criminal records ranging from murder to smuggling.
However, much like the Kajligarh case, the investigation hinges on the cooperation of the victims. The police are urging the woman to give her statement, as it is critical to moving the case forward.
The Broader Issue: Safety and Accountability
Both the Kajligarh and Jam Gate incidents highlight not only the dangers faced by visitors to secluded areas around Indore but also the challenges in addressing sexual violence when victims are unwilling or unable to come forward. Fear of social stigma, trauma, and a lack of trust in the justice system often prevent victims from seeking legal recourse, which in turn allows criminals to evade accountability.
In both cases, the role of the police and authorities has come under scrutiny, especially in terms of ensuring public safety and securing justice for victims of serious crimes. While arrests have been made, the lack of comprehensive follow-up and support for victims has left many unanswered questions.
The Kajligarh Fort gang rape case stands as a grim reminder of how systemic issues in addressing sexual violence can leave victims without justice. As the Jam Gate case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether authorities can learn from past mistakes and provide the support necessary for victims to step forward, allowing justice to be served. The safety of women at tourist spots, and in society at large, continues to be an urgent issue that demands attention and action.
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