Varanasi Gangrape Case Assigned to SIT as Questions Arise Over Survivor’s Allegations

The alleged gangrape of a 19-year-old woman in Varanasi has taken a dramatic and complex turn as police form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to re-examine the case. The move comes after families of several accused individuals submitted digital evidence—including videos, photographs, and Instagram conversations—which they claim casts serious doubt on the woman’s allegations.

The FIR, filed by the woman’s mother at the Lalpur-Pandeypur police station, claimed the young woman was drugged and gang-raped by 23 men between March 29 and April 4. She alleged she was incoherent and forcibly moved between different locations during that week.

However, police say the newly submitted digital content paints a conflicting picture. Footage shows the woman moving about freely, smiling in public, riding motorcycles, and actively engaging on social media—uploading posts and chatting with some of the accused during the same timeframe she claimed to be held captive. One video dated April 1 allegedly shows her outside the Continental Cafe with three of the accused—Sohail, Ayush, and Danish—in what appears to be a voluntary setting. The video is said to have been filmed by another accused, Shahid.

In addition, a chat between the woman and Zahid, a cafe employee, reportedly shows her making plans to meet him during the period she claims to have been abducted. On April 2, she even posted a photo on Instagram and continued sharing content throughout the week, appearing relaxed in demeanour—raising further questions about her claims of being drugged or confined.

Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal confirmed that, in light of this contradictory evidence, the SIT will re-investigate all aspects of the case before any further arrests are made.

“So far, 14 arrests have been made based on the survivor’s complaint,” said Agarwal. “But families of the accused have presented material showing the woman was active on social media and had chances to contact her family or police but did not.”

The medical report also indicates no signs of physical injury or trauma, further complicating the investigation. Some families have even alleged the case was fabricated, claiming attempts were made to extort money to keep certain names out of the FIR.

The SIT comprises a DCP, a female IPS officer, an ACP, surveillance and SOG units, and an inspector-level officer. The team has been given 30 days to complete its probe. If the case is found to be false or part of an extortion attempt, officials say legal action may be initiated against the woman, her family, or anyone else misusing the law.

Currently, the FIR lists 12 known and 11 unknown individuals. Two of the unknown accused have been jailed following identification by the woman, but all other arrests have been suspended pending the SIT’s findings.

Meanwhile, families of the accused have claimed they’ve received threats and extortion demands and have urged an urgent review of the detentions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his landmark 50th visit to his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, was briefed by top officials about the unfolding case. He directed authorities to take firm and prompt action against the guilty and stressed that justice must be swift and incidents like this must not recur.

Separately, a judicial team has been constituted to investigate alleged illegal activities at a hookah bar believed to be linked to the case.

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Aryan GulatiFreelance Journalist

Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.

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