Madhya Pradesh Minister Calls For Harsh Punishment For Those Committing Heinous Crimes Against Women

Madhya Pradesh’s Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Vishwas Sarang, sparked controversy on Saturday with a vehement statement regarding the punishment of those involved in crimes against women, particularly in cases of ‘love-jihad’ and the sexual assault of minors.

Sarang, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Bhopal’s Narela constituency, said authorities should show ‘no leniency’ to such criminals and should ‘shoot them dead’.

Sarang’s comments came just a day after the shooting of Farhan, the prime suspect in a high-profile case involving the sexual assault, drugging, and blackmailing of several female students.

Police shot Farhan in the leg when he attempted to seize a firearm during an operation in Bhopal.

The Minister expressed his strong stance on the matter, stating: “Those who commit heinous crimes and rape minor girls should be shot dead. Such criminals are a burden on society and deserve no leniency. It would have been better if the police had shot him in the chest rather than in the leg.”

Farhan’s Attempted Escape Punishment And Police Response

According to police reports, the incident occurred while officers were transporting Farhan to Bilkisganj village, where they intended to search for the hideout of another suspect, Abrar, who remains at large.

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Police station in-charge Hemant Srivastava explained that Farhan requested a stop, claiming he needed to use the washroom.

When a Sub-Inspector and a constable accompanied him, Farhan seized the officer’s pistol in a bid to escape. During the ensuing chaos, a bullet was fired, hitting Farhan in the leg.

Criminal Gang Preyed On Vulnerable Students

Farhan is reportedly part of a criminal gang in Bhopal that lured and manipulated female students, particularly those who had come to the city from other regions to study.

The gang allegedly drugged, raped, and filmed the victims, subsequently using the footage to blackmail them.

The police initiated their investigation on April 25 after three students from a private college came forward with complaints.

Subsequent inquiries revealed that the gang primarily targeted young women who were relatively new to the city, making them more vulnerable and easier to manipulate.

A police source added: “This made it easier for the gang to establish connections and exploit the girls.”

Community Reaction And Political Debate

Sarang’s remarks have sparked significant debate within the political and public spheres.

While some have voiced support for his tough stance on crime, others have criticised his call for extrajudicial punishment, raising concerns over the sanctity of the judicial process.

The incident has also prompted further discussions on the safety of women and the need for stronger preventive measures in Bhopal and other cities across the state.

As investigations continue, the police are focusing on tracking down the remaining suspects involved in this disturbing case.