Two sisters from Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district died by suicide within two months after allegedly enduring years of sexual assault, blackmail and intimidation, triggering outrage over alleged police inaction and delays in arrests. The younger sister, a married woman and mother of two from the Kherapa area, died on May 16 after allegedly consuming pesticide atop a village water tank while demanding action against eight men she had accused of gangrape and extortion in an FIR filed on April 11.
Her elder sister had died by suicide in March under similar circumstances. Following protests by family members and community groups, police arrested two accused, removed a local police outpost in-charge from duty and initiated disciplinary proceedings against senior officers over alleged lapses in the investigation.
Allegations Of Assault, Blackmail And Threats
According to the FIR lodged by the younger sister, the ordeal allegedly began several years ago when an e-Mitra operator identified as Mahipal allegedly trapped her elder sister, secretly recorded objectionable videos and later used them to blackmail and sexually exploit her. The complaint named eight accused, including Mahipal, Gopal, Shivraj, Vijram, Dinesh, Manoj and Pukhraj, alleging that the sisters were repeatedly assaulted, threatened and extorted over nearly four years.
The younger sister alleged that after her elder sibling died by suicide on March 20, the accused began targeting her as well. She claimed they threatened to release videos of her sister on social media if she refused to comply with their demands. In her complaint, she also accused some of the men of sexually assaulting her at isolated locations and continuing to intimidate her even after the FIR was filed.
Reports said the woman had warned authorities in writing that she feared she would end her life if justice was delayed further. On Friday morning, frustrated over the lack of arrests more than a month after filing the FIR, she reportedly climbed a water tank in her village demanding immediate police action. Senior officials and villagers attempted to persuade her to come down before she allegedly consumed pesticide. She later died while being taken to hospital.
Police Action Intensifies After Public Outrage
The deaths triggered widespread anger in Jodhpur, with members of the Marwar Rajput Sabha and local residents staging protests outside Mathuradas Mathur Hospital. Protesters accused the police of negligence and alleged that repeated complaints by the sisters were ignored despite clear warnings about threats to their lives. Some community leaders also alleged that the accused openly claimed they enjoyed police protection and would not face consequences.
Amid mounting pressure, Jodhpur Rural Superintendent of Police PD Nitya confirmed that two accused, Mahipal and Gopal, had been arrested while efforts were underway to trace and question others linked to the case. The investigation is currently being led by Additional SP Raghunath Garg. The police also removed Bawdi police outpost in-charge ASI Dharmendra from active duty and recommended disciplinary action against Kherapa SHO Lakha Ram and Bhopalgarh Circle Officer Bhura Ram Khileri over alleged lapses in handling the complaint.
Police officials stated that no allegations were initially raised by the family after the elder sister’s death in March and that only a routine inquest had been conducted at the time. However, after the younger sister filed her FIR in April, investigators began examining both incidents together. Authorities have also assured a departmental inquiry into the conduct of officers linked to the case.
A Disturbing Reminder Of Survivors’ Vulnerability
The deaths of the two sisters have once again highlighted the devastating impact of sexual violence, blackmail and delayed institutional response on survivors and their families. Rajasthan has witnessed similar cases in the past where survivors of exploitation faced intense social stigma, fear and prolonged trauma while seeking justice. Rights groups and activists have repeatedly stressed the need for survivor-centred policing, timely investigations and stronger protection systems to prevent intimidation and coercion after complaints are filed.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian believes that justice cannot depend on public outrage erupting after irreversible tragedies. Allegations of sexual assault and blackmail demand urgent, sensitive and transparent investigation, while survivors must receive protection, counselling and legal support without delay.
Institutions must ensure that victims who come forward are treated with dignity and urgency rather than indifference or suspicion. Beyond arrests and departmental action, there is a pressing need to rebuild public trust in systems meant to protect vulnerable citizens. What more can authorities and communities do to ensure survivors feel safe enough to seek justice before despair takes over?
Also Read: Gujarat : Man Allows Landlord To Rape Wife And Teen Daughter Over Unpaid ₹2,000 Rent
#Rajasthan | Two sisters have died by suicide in #Jodhpur's #Kherapa area. The younger #sister died after consuming pesticide atop a water tank. She had accused 8 people of gangrape and blackmail. Her #elder sister died by suicide in March.
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) May 17, 2026
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