Divya 
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A shocking case of gang rape has emerged from Varanasi, where a 19-year-old girl was allegedly held captive and repeatedly raped for seven days across different hotels and hookah bars. The incident began on March 29 and came to light after the girl was recovered by police on the evening of April 4.
According to police reports, the victim, a resident of Hukulganj in the Lalpur-Pandeypur area, had gone missing on March 29. Her family lodged a missing complaint, following which an investigation was launched. The girl was finally rescued after a week of continuous efforts.
The victim, who was preparing for admission in B.P.Ed and regularly attended college for physical training, told police that she had become friends with a young man named Sajid through Instagram. On March 29, Sajid invited her to meet him at a hookah bar in the Maldahiya area. There, she was introduced to his friends, two of whom she already knew.
The girl alleged that the group made her consume intoxicants at the hookah bar, after which they began sexually assaulting her. She was then taken to different hotels and hookah bars over the next seven days, where she was repeatedly gang-raped.
Based on her statement, the police have arrested six accused so far, including one person associated with the hookah bar. Three dedicated police teams are conducting raids to nab the remaining suspects. The police have also raided several hotels and hookah bars where the crime was committed.
The Varanasi Police Commissioner has directed strict action against the establishments involved. Authorities are scanning CCTV footage to identify more individuals connected to the crime. Given the sensitivity of the matter, especially with the involvement of individuals from different communities, police have stated that investigations are being conducted with utmost care and diligence.
A case has been officially registered on April 6-7, and further legal proceedings are underway. The incident has sparked outrage in the city, raising serious concerns over the safety of young women and the regulation of such establishments.
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