Victim forced to transfer ₹40,000 via UPI during assault at her home in Sidhi district.
Police in Madhya Pradesh have arrested two men accused of brutally assaulting and gang-raping a 20-year-old woman at her residence in Sidhi district after forcing her to transfer ₹40,000 through UPI.
The incident occurred when the two accused, identified as Anup Saket and Rakesh Saket (both around 21 years old), were working as painters at the woman’s house. Taking advantage of her being alone, they allegedly thrashed her, coerced her into making the digital payment, and then took turns raping her.
Rapid police response:
According to police reports, the 20-year-old woman was alone at her house in Mankisar village under the jurisdiction of Jamodi police station in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh, when the two painters, Anup Saket and Rakesh Saket, both aged around 21, allegedly assaulted her. The accused reportedly thrashed her brutally, forced her to transfer ₹40,000 via UPI using the PhonePe app, and then gang-raped her.
Immediately after the incident, the woman contacted her family, who assisted her in reaching the police station to register a complaint. Police acted swiftly and arrested both accused within hours on Friday, June 13. Anup Saket has been sent to judicial remand, while Rakesh Saket remains in police custody until June 16 for further interrogation.
The victim sustained injuries on her head and required stitches. She is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital, and forensic evidence, including medical examination reports, has been collected as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have registered the case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for gang rape, assault, and robbery. Officials have described the crime as particularly shocking due to the betrayal of trust by individuals who were hired for household work inside the victim’s own home. The investigation remains underway.
Pattern of violence in the region:
Sidhi district has seen several high-profile cases of sexual violence in recent years, raising concerns about women’s safety in the area. Women’s rights groups have called for stronger preventive measures and faster delivery of justice in such cases.
This latest incident has once again spotlighted the vulnerability of women when alone at home and the urgent need for better regulation of casual labour hires in rural and semi-urban areas.
Local police have assured a thorough investigation and have appealed to residents to remain vigilant. The case is being treated with utmost seriousness under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to gang rape and robbery.