A tragic case from India’s Rajasthan state has sparked widespread outrage after two sisters from Jodhpur district allegedly died by suicide following years of blackmail, sexual abuse, and repeated threats, while their family claims police failed to take timely action.
The incident has triggered massive protests among members of the local Rajput community, with accusations of police negligence and demands for strict punishment against the accused.
According to allegations made by the victims’ family, the ordeal began nearly four years ago when Mahipal, an operator of a local “e-Mitra” service center, secretly recorded objectionable videos of the elder sister. The accused and his associates allegedly used those videos to blackmail her, extort money, and subject her to repeated gang rape over several years.
Unable to endure the abuse any longer, the elder sister reportedly died by suicide on March 20.
Following her death, the younger sister filed an FIR on April 11 against eight individuals, including Mahipal, Shivraj, Gopal, Vijaram, Dinesh, Manoj, and Pukhraj. In her complaint, she warned police that she too might take her own life if justice was not served.
Despite the complaint, the family alleges that the harassment continued. The younger sister reportedly accused the suspects of threatening to release private videos of her deceased sister online while also subjecting her to intimidation and sexual harassment. According to the complaint, the accused openly boasted that the police would never act against them.
In a desperate attempt to draw attention to her demands, the young woman climbed onto a water tank last Friday and publicly demanded the immediate arrest of the accused. During the protest, she allegedly consumed poison. She later died on the way to the hospital.
The deaths of the two sisters have caused deep anger across the region. Large crowds gathered outside the hospital morgue where the younger sister’s body was kept, demanding justice and accountability.
Hanuman Singh Khangta, president of the Marwar Rajput Society, accused police of protecting the suspects from the beginning. He stated that police inaction and negligence had ultimately cost the lives of two innocent women.
Protesters and family members have demanded the immediate arrest of all accused individuals and strict departmental action against police officers allegedly responsible for mishandling the case.
After receiving assurances of a fair investigation from the administration, the family agreed to allow post-mortem examinations.
Jodhpur Superintendent of Police PD Nitya confirmed that two suspects, including the main accused Mahipal, have been detained and formal arrest procedures are underway. Authorities also stated that efforts are continuing to locate and interrogate the remaining accused individuals.
The administration has additionally promised to form a departmental inquiry committee to investigate whether police negligence or misconduct contributed to the tragedy.
