A Buffalo Search Leads Police To Locate Mentally Challenged Gangrape Survivor in Telangana

As per CCTV footage, the mentally challenged woman was seen standing alone by the NH 44 near Ramanthapur where the trio raped her

Chegunta: A buffalo search led police to a mentally challenged woman who was allegedly gangraped by three persons close to the National Highway 44 here in Medak district of Telangana. The shocking revelation came to light when Chegunta Police was scanning CCTV footage to trace a missing buffalo in Ramanthapur, Masaipet Mandal, Medak district on Sunday. All the three accused have been arrested by police, said Sub-Inspector Chaitanya Reddy.

As per the footage, the mentally challenged woman (30) was seen standing alone by the National Highway 44 near Ramanthapur on January 8 when the accused Syed Afroz from Toopran village of Chegunta, Gauri Baswaraj from Chegunta, and Mohammad Sohel from Bihar noticed her. Taking advantage of her instability, the trio allegedly dragged her behind a statue of BR Ambedkar nearby and took turns to rape her.

On January 10, one Swami from Ramanthapur filed a complaint with the Chegunta Police for his missing buffalo. During the investigation, the police scanned the CCTV footage of a hotel in Ramanthapur when they saw the survivor. She was subsequently taken to the Medak Bharosa Kendra for support and assistance, Reddy informed.

The incident led the local community to stage protests demanding justice for the survivor and increased safety measures for the vulnerable.

Reddy said the police are making efforts to thwart such heinous crimes from recurring.

"The woman belongs to a neighbouring district. We informed her family members about the incident and shifted her to the Bharosa Kendra. Initial investigations revealed that she was mentally unstable and had gone missing. We have registered cases against the accused under various sections and are continuing the investigation. Necessary measures are being taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future," Reddy said.