PM Modi seeks update on Varanasi gangrape at airport, orders ‘strictest action'

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited in Varanasi on Friday to inaugurate development projects, he was informed of the alleged gang rape of a 19-year-old woman in his parliamentary constituency. According to an Uttar Pradesh government statement, the prime minister was briefed on the "recent criminal rape incident in the city" by the police commissioner, divisional commissioner, and district magistrate as soon as he arrived in Varanasi.

"He instructed them to take the strictest possible action against the culprits and to implement appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future," added the statement. In relation to the alleged gang rape of a 19-year-old student, at least nine people have been taken into jail.

The victim's father claims that on March 29, she had gone out to see her friend. The police claim that she was enticed, brought away, and sexually assaulted for a number of days. Over the course of seven days, the victim claimed to have been raped by twenty-three people. The other accused is still being sought by the police.