When Justice Becomes a Threat: A Chilling Case of Sexual Violence, Impunity, and Retaliation in Varanasi


 

When Justice Becomes a Threat: A Chilling Case of Sexual Violence, Impunity, and Retaliation in Varanasi

On 9 July 2024, a horrific story emerged in Amar Ujala — a woman working with an NGO was allegedly raped by her colleague under false promises of marriage. The trauma deepened when a police constable, reportedly assigned to "teach her a lesson," also raped her. Even more disturbing — the acts were recorded on video.

Instead of ensuring safety and support, the very institutions meant to protect survivors turned predatory.

The Case: NHRC Complaint No. 16984/24/72/2024-WC

Following my intervention as a human rights defender and founder of PVCHR, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognizance of the case, registering Diary No. 10627/IN/2024. The Commission directed action, compensation, and a departmental inquiry into the accused, including Constable Vivek Yadav of the 11th PAC Sitapur.

The police investigation resulted in chargesheets:

  • Naveen Yadav: Chargesheeted under IPC Sections 323/376.

  • Vivek Yadav: Chargesheeted under IPC Sections 504/506 — shockingly, no rape charges were pursued against him despite media reports and survivor testimony.

Further, the police failed to clarify if Vivek Yadav was a serving police constable — an alarming omission in a system already plagued with impunity.

Re-victimizing the Survivor: Systemic Apathy

The police pushed the rape survivor to collect compensation-related documents herself, failing to show empathy or initiative. This bureaucratic cruelty not only retraumatizes survivors but contradicts every constitutional value of dignity and support.

NHRC stepped in again, directing:

  1. Clarification and action on Constable Vivek Yadav’s departmental status;

  2. That the Investigating Officer personally file for compensation with all supporting documents on the survivor’s behalf.

From Advocate to Target: The Price I’m Paying for Justice

Since my active role in the case, I have faced a targeted campaign of retaliation, particularly from Sub-Inspector Vivek Kumar Pathak of Lalpur-Pandeypur PS — the very station from which the accused constable hails.

I now stand falsely accused:

  • FIR No. 616/2025 under Section 130 BNSS;

  • FIR No. 0069/2025 filed on 10 March 2025 — just hours after I was physically assaulted in a public space in Varanasi.

I reported the assault through:

  • Emergency Helpline (112) calls on the night of the attack;

  • Direct calls to the Police Commissioner.

Yet, instead of investigating my complaint, I was falsely implicated, my injuries ignored, and my calls were omitted from the official record.

Defamation and Property Conspiracy: Silencing Through Smear and Threat

On 13 March 2025, Hindustan News carried a defamatory piece against me — eerily similar to smear campaigns run during my earlier advocacy in 2012.

I was also summoned under the guise of a property dispute, where a local bar owner and associates threatened me with further legal action — clearly aiming to intimidate and force silence.

Pattern of Abuse – A Broader Crisis

This is not an isolated incident. The same Lalpur-Pandeypur PS ignored:

  • The suspicious death of my brother Kanad;

  • My nephew Nachiketa’s suicide;

  • My injuries from December 2024.

Each of these required NHRC’s intervention to even gain acknowledgment. Now, my involvement in a case of state-enabled sexual violence has made me a target again.

Our Demands – Urgent, Constitutional, and Just

🛑 I urge the NHRC to:

  1. Investigate retaliatory actions against me in connection with NHRC Case No. 16984/24/72/2024-WC;

  2. Launch an independent inquiry into FIR No. 616/2025 and the role of SI Vivek Kumar Pathak;

  3. Provide urgent protection to me and my family;

  4. Ensure disciplinary and legal action against officers involved in false FIRs and procedural abuse;

  5. Continue monitoring the rape case to ensure justice for the survivor.

Closing Appeal: Rights Are Not Crimes

As a lifelong peace activist, Gandhian, and human rights defender, I stand firm in nonviolence and truth. But today, I am being punished for demanding accountability from the police.

When human rights defenders become targets, who will defend the defenders?

We must not allow silence to replace justice.

🖋️ Lenin Raghuvanshi
Founder, PVCHR | Human Rights Defender
📍 Varanasi, India
📧 lenin@pvchr.asia
📞 +91-9935599333

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