Two arrested in assault on Army Officers, female friend

K K Jha

Indore: In a significant development, Indore police have apprehended two individuals in connection with the brutal assault on two Army officers and their female friends near Jaam Gate in the Mhow tehsil of Indore district. The attack occurred on September 11, when the two Major-rank officers, who were undergoing training at the Army War College in Mhow, were enjoying a picnic with their friends. Six assailants, armed with pistols, knives, and sticks, surrounded their vehicle, viciously attacked them, and looted their belongings, according to police reports.

Superintendent of Police (Rural), Hitika Vasal, confirmed that following a formal complaint lodged by the victims, 10 police teams were deployed to investigate. The six perpetrators were identified, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Efforts are underway to locate and arrest the remaining four. SP Vasal further revealed that the assault took place near the Army firing range. The victims stated in their complaint that one of their female friends was forcibly taken aside, and her screams raised suspicions of a possible sexual assault. The police responded swiftly, causing the assailants to flee the scene. The women’s statements are yet to be recorded, which will determine further action.

*Priyanka Gandhi slams Govt over rising crimes against women

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  Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed deep concern over the incident and the alleged sexual assault, calling it “heart-wrenching.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vadra condemned both the attack on the military officers in Madhya Pradesh and a separate tragic incident in Uttar Pradesh, where a woman’s body was found abandoned on a highway.

“These incidents are horrifying. Every day, 86 women fall victim to rape and brutality in India. From their homes to the streets, offices, and public spaces, women remain unsafe,” Vadra wrote. She also criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its failure to ensure women’s safety, despite repeated promises. “While the Prime Minister makes grand statements about women’s safety, millions of women are still waiting for meaningful action. When will their wait finally end?” she added.