Surat, Gujarat – A tragic incident has unfolded in Surat, where the death of an accused in a heinous gang rape case has raised serious concerns about police custody practices and the justice system. A 17-year-old girl was the victim of a brutal gang rape on Tuesday night, an incident that has left the community in shock and mourning. The accused, identified as Shivshankar Chaurasia (45), was arrested alongside another suspect, Munna Paswan (40), just two days after the crime occurred. Reports indicate that the girl was returning home on a bike with her friend when they were ambushed by three men after their vehicle ran out of fuel.
The assailants assaulted the girl and snatched her friend’s phone, escalating the situation into a horrific attack. Following a swift police response, both Chaurasia and Paswan were taken into custody. However, the situation took a tragic turn when Chaurasia died in police custody less than 24 hours after his arrest. Surat Superintendent of Police Hitesh Joysar confirmed that Chaurasia began experiencing breathing difficulties on Thursday morning. Despite efforts to stabilize him at the jail’s first aid center, he was later transferred to the New Civil Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4 PM.
This incident has drawn unsettling comparisons to the notorious Badlapur case, where an accused was killed in a police encounter. Authorities are now facing mounting questions regarding the circumstances of Chaurasia’s death, prompting speculation and concern about potential misconduct. “The family of the deceased has been informed, and they are en route to Surat,” Joysar stated. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning to determine the cause of death.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues as police actively search for a third suspect, Raju Vishwakarma, who remains at large. The community is calling for accountability and transparency in the investigation, with many demanding reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the case unfolds, the people of Surat and the nation watch closely, hoping for justice for the young victim and clarity in the events surrounding the accused’s death.
