Tragic Deaths of Sisters in Jodhpur Linked to Sexual Assault Case

In Jodhpur's Kherapa area, the tragic suicides of two sisters have raised serious concerns about police inaction in a case involving alleged sexual assault and blackmail. The younger sister died on Friday after reportedly consuming pesticide on top of a water tank. She was taken to hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Just two months prior, her elder sister had also died by suicide under similar distressing circumstances.

According to reports, the younger sister had lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on April 11, accusing an e-Mitra operator and others of sexually assaulting and subsequently blackmailing her elder sister. The younger sibling claimed that the ongoing harassment contributed to her elder sister's death on March 20, after which she also became a target of the same perpetrators.

Officers from the Jodhpur Rural Police have confirmed the arrest of two men, identified as Mahipal and Gopal, in connection with the alleged assaults. These arrests came following public outcry after the sisters' suicides, which have sparked significant anger in the community.

Jodhpur Rural Superintendant of Police, PD Nitya, stated that the investigation is being led by Additional Superintendent of Police Raghunath Garg, who is now coordinating efforts to identify further suspects linked to the crimes.

Despite the FIR being filed, the family of the victims criticized the police for what they described as a lack of action to apprehend the accused. A protest held by family members, alongside representatives from the Marwar Rajput Sabha, demanded immediate action from law enforcement regarding the alleged negligence.

In response to the community's dissatisfaction, authorities have removed the officer in charge of the Bawdi police outpost, ASI Dharmendra, from duty. A recommendation for action against further police officials has been made, including the Khedapa Station House Officer, Lakha Ram, and Bhopalgarh Circle Officer Bhura Ram Khileri.

As the community mourns these heartbreaking losses, the situation underscores ongoing issues of sexual violence and the need for accountability within law enforcement in India. Both sisters were buried following post-mortem examinations, during which the families received their bodies on Sunday morning for last rites.