Madhya Pradesh: 6-Day Manhunt for Rape Accused Ends in Bhopal

Bhopal/Raisen, Nov 28 (PTI) A six-day manhunt in Madhya Pradesh culminated in Bhopal with the apprehension of a man accused of raping a six-year-old girl in Raisen district. The accused, Salman Khan (23), was caught following an encounter with police after attempting to escape custody by snatching a sub-inspector's revolver and opening fire, according to a police official. The incident, which occurred on November 21, sparked widespread protests and road blockades throughout Raisen. Khan was spotted by civilians in Bhopal's Gandhinagar locality late at night, who then handed him over to authorities. He had been evading capture by hiding in Bhopal after traveling on foot through forested areas from Raisen. En route to Gouharganj, the police vehicle transporting Khan encountered a flat tire in Obedullaganj town. During the stop, Khan attempted to escape by seizing a revolver from a sub-inspector, prompting a shootout. He was wounded in the leg and subsequently subdued by police. Khan was then taken to Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal for treatment. Following the incident, high-ranking officers including Raisen SP Ashutosh Gupta arrived at the scene. Additional SP Kamlesh Khrapushe confirmed that Bhopal's Gandhinagar police had transferred Khan to Raisen police custody. The accused's arrest has brought a sense of relief across multiple districts that had been experiencing unrest due to the incident. Khan had a Rs 30,000 reward announced for his capture after the alleged rape on November 21. According to law enforcement, he lured the child with the promise of chocolate and assaulted her in a forested area. Residents found the victim in distress, and she is currently receiving treatment at AIIMS Bhopal with signs of improvement. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation and perceived police shortcomings during the public outcry. He took decisive action by replacing the then SP of Raisen, Pankaj Pandey, after reviewing the situation with senior officials. Outside Hamidia Hospital on Friday, activists from Hindu organizations called for harsh penalties against Khan, criticizing perceived intelligence failures that allowed him to evade capture in Bhopal. The police continue to maintain a strong presence, ensuring Khan remains under guard during his hospitalization.

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