Thu. Aug 14th, 2025

In a disturbing turn of events, a 35-year-old employee of the State Forest Research Institute (SFRI) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 30-year-old widow. The accused, who has not been named, had befriended the victim at a local gym, where they would often work out together. Over time, the accused gained the victim’s trust and borrowed Rs 1 lakh from her, promising to repay the amount soon. However, instead of repaying the loan, the accused invited the victim to his residence, where he allegedly raped her. The incident occurred on August 10, and the victim reported the crime to the police the next day. The police have arrested the accused and charged him with rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code. The victim, a widow with two children, had been living alone in Jabalpur after her husband’s death a few years ago. She had joined the gym to stay fit and healthy, where she met the accused. The accused had been working at SFRI for several years and was known to be a friendly and approachable person. However, his true intentions were revealed when he committed the heinous crime. The police are investigating the case and have collected evidence from the crime scene. The victim has been provided with medical assistance and counseling to help her cope with the trauma. The incident has sent shockwaves in the community, with many expressing outrage and demanding justice for the victim. The SFRI administration has also taken note of the incident and has assured that they will cooperate with the police investigation. The accused is currently in police custody and will be produced in court soon. The incident highlights the need for women to be cautious when interacting with strangers, even in seemingly safe environments like gyms. It also underscores the importance of reporting such crimes to the authorities without delay. The police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that may help in the investigation. The incident has sparked a debate about the safety of women in public spaces and the need for stricter laws to protect them from such crimes. The government has assured that they will take all necessary measures to ensure that justice is served in the case. The victim’s family has demanded that the accused be punished severely for his crime. The incident is a reminder that such crimes can occur anywhere, and it is essential for women to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to stay safe. The police are working to prevent such incidents in the future by increasing patrols in public areas and spreading awareness about women’s safety.

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