Madhya Pradesh: Fast-Track Court Sentences Five to Life Imprisonment for Gangrape of Army Officer’s Girlfriend
INDORE, March 25, 2025: In a landmark verdict, a fast-track court in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday sentenced five men to life imprisonment for the gangrape of an Army officer’s girlfriend and the assault of trainee Army officers in a horrifying incident that took place six months ago near Jam Gate in Indore district.
Delivering the judgment, Fourth Additional Sessions Judge Ravi Shankar Dohre remarked that the crime occurred in a military cantonment zone and involved those sworn to protect the country. The act was “unpardonable” and the convicts are “unfit to live in society,” the court observed.
Timeline of the Crime: A Shocking Attack Near Army Firing Range
On the night of September 10, 2024, two Army trainee officers were out with their female companions near Jam Gate, a secluded area close to the Army firing range in Mhow. Around 2:30 AM, a group of 7 to 8 armed men attacked them. The attackers beat the officers with sticks and demanded ₹10 lakh in cash, threatening to kill them if they failed to deliver.
The assailants then held one officer and a woman hostage, while sending the other couple away to get the money. When they didn’t return after an hour, the attackers dragged the woman away, assaulted, and gangraped her, before fleeing the scene.
Swift Investigation and Trial
Police acted quickly, arresting two accused within days and launching a special operation to nab the remaining culprits. Due to the gravity of the crime, the case was assigned to a fast-track court, with a chargesheet filed within a month—by October 12, 2024. The trial began on October 26, with testimonies from 32 witnesses and critical DNA evidence confirming the crime.
Special Public Prosecutor Sandhya Uikey confirmed that the DNA samples of accused Anil Baror and Ritesh Bhavar matched with the victim’s, establishing their direct involvement in the rape. The police also recovered a country-made pistol and live cartridges from Ritesh.
List of Convicted Accused
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Anil Baror (27) – Gaurkheda (Main accused)
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Pawan Bansuniya (23) – Gaurkheda
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Rohit Girwal (23) – Nandgaon
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Ritesh Bhavar (25) – Bilami
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Sachin Makwana (25) – Chainpur
A sixth accused is a minor and is facing trial in a juvenile court.
Identification and Forensics: The Role of History-Sheeter Database
With no CCTV footage or eyewitnesses, the police relied on an innovative strategy—collecting photos of history-sheeters from the past 10 years. One of the Army officers identified Anil Baror from the photo line-up. The rape survivor later confirmed his identity, which led to a chain of arrests.
Crucial evidence such as blood samples, hair strands, and clothing worn during the crime were sent for forensic examination, strengthening the prosecution’s case.
Court Calls for Exemplary Punishment
In the verdict, Judge Dohre stated that such crimes in a cantonment zone, involving members of the Armed Forces, warranted strict punishment. The case highlights the need for swift justice, especially in crimes involving women’s safety and national security.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
