Four arrested for gang-rape, murder in Kullu’s Sainj valley

A disturbing case of gang-rape and murder has emerged from the Sainj valley in Kullu district. The crime, which occurred in August, remained hidden from public view for weeks until it gained traction on social media platforms.

Kullu SP Karthikeyan Gokulachandran said that all four accused had been arrested. Initially, the case was registered under the charges of abetment to commit suicide, following a complaint filed by the victim’s family after her body was found hanging from a tree.

However, as the investigation unfolded, critical evidence pointed to a far more sinister reality. “Fresh evidence came to light. After analysing the circumstances, it was established that the victim was sexually assaulted and murdered. Accordingly, a case of rape and murder was registered and the four accused were taken into custody,” the SP said.

Preliminary findings suggest that the woman, who suffered from a heart condition, died during the assault. To cover up the crime, the perpetrators allegedly staged the scene to resemble a suicide by hanging her body from a tree.

While the Forensic Science Laboratory reports are still pending, the police believe the case is close to resolution. “The accused are in custody and the investigation is in its final stages,” the SP added.

What has sparked widespread concern is that the case remained under wraps for long. Despite the gravity of the crime, it only came to light after videos got viral on social media, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of su0ch sensitive cases.