At around 9:30 pm on Saturday, a distressing incident occurred at Bhavsar Dharamshala within the Kotwali police station limits. Some unidentified men and women, brandishing illegal weapons, forcibly abducted a woman by dragging her into a four-wheeler, according to an official statement.
Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar Meena confirmed the details, stating that the abduction was carried out by the woman’s own relatives, as reported by IANS.
The Kotwali police station in-charge, Pushpendra Singh Rathore, identified the arrested individuals as Ramchandra, Manisha (also known as Bunty), Kamlesh (also known as Ghota), Fakirachand, Shambhulal, Shyamabai — all residents of Chachawada Sathiya under Garoth Police Station — along with Dinesh from Bhunki Hatunia.
A case has been registered under sections pertaining to kidnapping, the Arms Act, and other relevant laws. Authorities confirmed that further investigation is currently ongoing.
**Incident Details**
The woman was attending a Navratri celebration alongside other women and young girls when four men and two women suddenly arrived at the venue. Without warning, they seized her and began dragging her away. A young woman present at the scene attempted to intervene but was pushed aside.
One of the accused brandished what appeared to be a pistol, causing panic among attendees. Video footage captured people fleeing in fear as the woman was taken away, Kotwali police station in-charge Pushpendra Singh Rathore told IANS.
Police were alerted immediately, and a district-wide blockade was imposed. Within two hours, the Kotwali police traced and apprehended all seven accused and safely recovered the abducted woman. The vehicle used during the abduction and the pistol — later confirmed to be a toy — were also seized.
**Background**
According to the woman’s statement, she had been previously married but left her husband due to repeated physical abuse and had filed for divorce. For the past four months, she had been living with a young man named Yash in Khanpura.
Her family and in-laws, reportedly angered by her relationship with Yash, orchestrated the abduction in an attempt to bring her back home, the news agency reported.
**Community Reaction**
Local residents have expressed outrage over the incident, particularly due to its timing during a cultural celebration. The event has sparked renewed conversations around personal freedom, family pressure, and the urgent need for stronger protections for women in both private and public spaces.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring their safety.
*(With inputs from PTI and IANS)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/navratri-2025-women-practising-garba-abducted-by-armed-group-in-mps-mandsaur-7-held-23595111