Morni Gang Rape: Panchkula Police Arrests Victim’s Husband

The woman was allegedly held captive in a guest house from 15 to 18 July where 40 men took turns to rape her.

Protesters at a candlelight vigil after the Kathua and Unnao rape incidents. (Image used for representation.)

(Photo: PTI)

In a twist to the alleged gangrape of a 22-year-old woman at a guest house in Morni in Panchkula district, the Haryana Police on Wednesday, 25 July, arrested her husband and booked him under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, officials said, reported PTI.

The woman's husband was booked under various provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and under Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which pertains to buying or disposing of any person as a slave, Panchkula DCP Rajender Kumar Meena told reporters.

According to PTI, police investigations showed the two key accused, already arrested in the case, were running a sex racket, the official said.

The woman from Chandigarh had alleged that she was raped by 40 men for four consecutive days after being held captive at a guest house in the Morni area of Haryana’s Panchkula district, after which police nabbed a few accused in the case.

According to an ANI report, on Monday, 23 July, eight people were arrested in connection with the case and produced before District Court Panchkula. Of these, six were send to a two-day police remand and two were send to a three-day police remand.

In a complaint lodged with the Chandigarh Police at the Manimajra police station on Friday, 20 July, the woman alleged that she was held captive for four days and the men took turns to rape her.

According to IANS, the married woman was held captive from 15 to 18 July. The victim claimed that she was able to escape from captivity on July 18 (Wednesday) after the four-day ordeal.

Previously, three arrests had been made in connection with the case and the accused were sent to 14-day judicial custody. Those arrested include two employees of the guest house, Honey and Avtar.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IPS officer Anshu Singla has been constituted to investigate the case. SHO, Chandi Mandir, and SHO, Women Police Station, will assist Singla.

Rajender Kumar Meena, Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)

Meena said that the entire matter would be investigated and CCTV footage would also be scanned.

Three accused have been arrested and the guilty would not be spared. We will also check why case was not registered in Panchkula.

Rajender Kumar Meena

“Shocked, Disgusted,” Says Rahul Gandhi

Congress President Rahul Gandhi expressed "shock" and "disgust" at the alleged rape of the 22-year-old woman. He said it is a shame that the nation was unable to protect "this daughter of India".

The rape of a young woman in Haryana, by 40 men, has shocked and disgusted me. Ironically, today in Parliament, I had drawn attention to the issue of growing violence against women.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress President

(With inputs from PTI and IANS.)