Outrage in Balrampur: Disabled Woman Abducted and Gang-Raped—Police Response Under Fire

Another shocking crime has put a spotlight on women’s safety in Uttar Pradesh, exposing the glaring gaps between promises and reality. In Balrampur, under the very nose of the police, two men abducted and gang-raped a young woman with hearing and speech disabilities—a crime captured on CCTV and now sending shockwaves across the state.

The Night of the Crime: Vulnerability Exploited

The incident occurred late on a Monday evening. The victim, a speech- and hearing-impaired young woman, was returning home on foot from her uncle’s house, only about 1 km away. As she walked alone on a deserted road, two men on a motorbike began stalking and pursuing her. The terrifying chase was caught on CCTV near the SP’s (Superintendent of Police) residence, though ironically, cameras at the local Bahadurpur police outpost just 700 meters away were not working.

The footage shows the woman desperately running for her life, unable to even shout for help. Her only option was to try to outrun her attackers—a devastating testament to her vulnerability.

Crime and Aftermath: A Race Against Injustice

The assailants eventually caught up with her, dragged her behind the police outpost, and raped her in nearby bushes. Later, her family found her traumatized and disoriented. Unable to speak, she communicated her ordeal through gestures.

Her family filed a police report, and the investigation began. Using CCTV footage from around the area, police quickly identified and tracked down the suspects. After a brief police encounter, both accused—Ankur Verma and Harshit Pandey—were arrested, injured, and hospitalized. Neither man had a connection to the victim’s family or to any political party.

Questions Over Policing and Security

Despite the police’s prompt action after the crime, serious questions are being raised:

Why were the CCTV cameras at the police outpost not working?
Where were the anti-Romeo squads promised to increase women’s safety at night?
Why was there so little visible police presence or deterrence on the streets?

If not for the operational CCTV cameras outside the SP’s house, crucial footage of the chase would never have come to light.

Political and Public Reaction

The case has sparked outrage. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav condemned the crime, demanding strict punishment—not just cosmetic “encounter” justice. He called for maximum support for the victim and stronger accountability for law enforcement failures.

The Ongoing Fight for Justice

Balrampur’s tragedy highlights not only the vulnerability of disabled women, but also systemic flaws in policing and the gap between official claims and street-level reality. With public anger mounting, the hope is that this case will bring not just convictions but real change to how women’s—especially disabled women’s—safety is handled.

What is your reaction to this case from Balrampur? How can women, especially those with disabilities, be better protected? Share your views in the comments.