Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Varanasi—his parliamentary constituency—brought sharp focus to a horrific case that had been unfolding in the city. A 19-year-old girl, missing since March 29, was rescued on April 4 and later alleged that she had been gangraped by 23 men over a span of seven days.
During a briefing at the Varanasi airport, the Prime Minister was updated by senior police officials. Sources said Modi expressed displeasure over the police’s handling of the case and directed immediate action. Within days, Chandra Kant Meena, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the Varuna Zone, was transferred to the DGP’s office, marking the first visible consequence of the PM’s intervention.
Police Shake-up Begins with Senior IPS Officer’s Transfer
Chandra Kant Meena, a 2018-batch IPS officer who has served in key positions such as ADCP Kashi Zone and DCP Crime, is known for his experience in tackling high-profile crimes. However, his removal following Modi’s stern message has made him the first to face consequences for the alleged lapses in the handling of this case.
A letter from the UP Police Headquarters confirmed Meena’s transfer. Officials now suggest further action is expected once Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal returns from leave. Internal sources say additional officers could be held accountable.
A Case That Shocked the Nation
The case came to light when the girl’s mother lodged a missing complaint. Police later recovered the girl on April 4 and filed a gangrape case against 23 people—11 identified and 12 still unnamed. So far, 13 individuals have been arrested. The victim’s statement detailed how she was allegedly drugged by a friend and taken to multiple locations, including hotels in Sigra, where she was assaulted repeatedly.
She claimed she was first taken to a hookah bar in the Pishachmochan area by a known friend. There, more men joined in, and she was given a spiked drink. The subsequent events unfolded across various locations in Varanasi, exposing glaring vulnerabilities in both public safety and law enforcement response.