Two men allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar city and then set her on fire, News18 reported. She has been admitted to a local hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.
One of the accused has been arrested, Sagar Superintendent of Police Satyendra Kumar Shukla said, ANI reported. Shukla said that three police teams had been formed to search for the second accused. He added that the girl was now in a stable condition.
The incident comes just days after the National Crime Records Bureau’s latest report revealed that Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of rape cases in 2016. Of the total 38,947 cases of rape reported in India in 2016, Madhya Pradesh alone accounted for 4,882.
On Monday, the Madhya Pradesh Assembly had unanimously passed a bill that awards death penalty, or a minimum of 14 years in jail, or life imprisonment for those convicted of raping children who are 12 and younger. The legislation also proposes strict punishment for stalking, disrobing or sex on the pretext of marriage. It will be sent to the Centre and President Ram Nath Kovind for approval.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!