Visakhapatnam Law Student Gang-Raped, Accused Arrested After Months of Harassment

A 20-year-old law student in Visakhapatnam endured months of harassment after being gang-raped by her boyfriend and three of his friends. The ordeal came to light after the victim, pushed to the brink, attempted suicide on Monday. Her father intervened and saved her, prompting her to confide in her family, who supported her in filing a police complaint.

According to the police, the incident occurred on August 13, when the victim’s boyfriend lured her to a friend’s room, where she was sexually assaulted by him and his three friends. The act was filmed, and the accused used the footage to blackmail and repeatedly harass her.

Visakhapatnam police commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi confirmed that all four accused have been arrested under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to gang rape, voyeurism, and criminal intimidation, along with provisions of the Information Technology Act. They have been remanded into custody.

The police revealed that the victim and her boyfriend had been in a relationship for over a year, and he had promised to marry her. The harassment escalated over months, culminating in the victim’s suicide attempt. The timely intervention of her father saved her life, and she bravely sought legal action against the perpetrators.

The case has sparked a political outcry, with the Opposition YSR Congress Party criticizing the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government over the incident. In a statement, the party accused the coalition government of failing to protect women and called out its inefficiency in addressing crimes against women. The party also highlighted the ineffective implementation of the Disha Act, which was meant to ensure swift justice in such cases.

State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha defended the government, stating that under their administration, incidents have been addressed promptly, with accused remanded within 48 hours. The case has reignited concerns over women’s safety and the enforcement of laws designed to prevent gender-based violence.