View source for Ajmer rape case

{{Short description|Coerced sexual exploitation case of girls in Rajasthan, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}{{Infobox event
| title = 1992 Ajmer serial gangrape and blackmailing scandal
| date = 1990–1992
| type = [[Sexual abuse]] and [[blackmailing]] (Estimated 250 (1991–1992, according to the media report) aged approximately 11–20
| reporter = Deenbandhu Chaudary and Santosh Gupta <br /> [[Dainik Navajyoti]].<ref name="Gangraped in teens, visiting courts as grandmothers: 1992 Ajmer horror is an open wound">{{Cite web |date=29 January 2022 |author=Jyoti Yadav |title=Gangraped in teens, visiting courts as grandmothers: 1992 Ajmer horror is an open wound |url=https://theprint.in/features/gangraped-in-teens-visiting-courts-as-grandmothers-1992-ajmer-horror-is-an-open-wound/814073/ |access-date=2022-08-25 |website=[[The Print]] |language=en}}</ref>
| inquiries = [[Rajasthan Police]] (1992–2021)
| trial = [[Rajasthan High Court]] and [[Supreme Court of India]]
| convictions = *Farooq Chishti: spent 6.5 years in jail under Section 376/120B, released.
* Anwar Chisthi, Shamshuddin (Maredona), Moijullah (Puttan) and Ishrat Ali sentenced to 10 years from 1998;
** Anwar and Maredona under Section 376/120B, rest under Section 376.
* Naseem (Tarzan), Nafees Chisthi, Salim Chisthi, Iqbal Bhati, Sohail Ghani and Zameer Hussain sentenced to life imprisonment;
** Tarzan under Section 376/120B and Section 37, rest under Section 376/120B.
* Zahoor Chishti convicted under Section 377, still under trial for other charges.
}}
{{Rape}}

The '''1992 Ajmer rape scandal''' was a series of gangrapes and blackmailing in which 250 female students, aged between 11 and 20, were reportedly victims of a series of gang rapes and blackmailing. The perpetrators, led by Farooq and Nafees Chishti, were members of the hereditary caretaker [[Anjuman Syedzadgan|Khadim]] family of [[Ajmer Sharif Dargah]] and leaders of the [[Indian Youth Congress]] in [[Ajmer]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kashyap |first=Simran |date=2022-07-05 |title=1992 Ajmer horror: Recalling India’s biggest rape and sex exploitation scandal |url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/1992-ajmer-horror-recalling-indias-biggest-rape-and-sex-exploitation-scandal-3429615.html |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=OneIndia |language=en}}</ref> Over several years, ending in 1992, [[Child grooming|they lured victims]] to remote farmhouses or bungalows, where they were sexually assaulted by one or several of the men and photographed naked or otherwise revealing positions to prevent the women from speaking out.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yadav |first1=Jvoti |date=29 January 2022 |title=Gangraped in teens, visiting courts as grandmothers |url=https://theprint.in/features/gangraped-in-teens-visiting-courts-as-grandmothers-1992-ajmer-horror-is-an-open-wound/814073/ |website=The Print |access-date=25 August 2022 |archive-date=25 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825234407/https://theprint.in/features/gangraped-in-teens-visiting-courts-as-grandmothers-1992-ajmer-horror-is-an-open-wound/814073/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The scandal came to light through a local newspaper, ''[[Dainik Navajyoti]]'', and subsequent police investigations, amid allegations of prior knowledge by local authorities.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kranti |first1=Vijay |title=Murder of Ajmer daily editor exposes sordid sex scandal involving criminals, politicians |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/crime-stories/story/19921015-murder-of-ajmer-daily-editor-exposes-sordid-sex-scandal-involving-criminals-politicians-767014-2012-12-26 |website=India Today|date=26 December 2012 }}</ref>

N.K. Patni, the then [[Superintendent of police (India)|Superintendent of Police]] of the [[Criminal Investigation Department (India)|CID Crime Branch]], noted that the case emerged during a period of heightened communal tension. He highlighted the challenges in investigating the matter without it acquiring communal overtones, particularly given that the victims were young Hindu girls and the accused came from Muslim families with religious and local influence.<ref name="Gangraped in teens, visiting courts as grandmothers: 1992 Ajmer horror is an open wound" />

In September 1992, 18 offenders were charged, one of whom died by suicide in 1994. The first eight to stand trial received life sentences, though four were later acquitted by the [[Rajasthan High Court]] in 2001.<ref name="indianexpress.com2">(the journalist who broke {{Cite web |date=2018-02-25 |title=Almost three decades after a rape, blackmail case rocked Ajmer, surrender of an accused opens old wounds |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/ |access-date=2020-06-12 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165129/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2007, Farooq Chishti was convicted by a fast-track court but was released in 2013 after serving time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-05 |title=1992 Ajmer horror: Recalling India's biggest rape and sex exploitation scandal |url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/1992-ajmer-horror-recalling-indias-biggest-rape-and-sex-exploitation-scandal-3429615.html |access-date=2023-06-17 |website= |language=en}}</ref> Retired Rajasthan [[DGP (India)|DGP]] Omendra Bhardwaj noted the influence of the accused made it difficult for victims to testify.<ref name="sc112">{{cite news |last=Mukherjee |first=Deep |date=25 February 2018 |title=Almost three decades after a rape, blackmail case rocked Ajmer, surrender of an accused opens old wounds |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/ |access-date=2 August 2018 |newspaper=The Indian Express |archive-date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165129/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] acknowledged that many victims refused to testify due to the stigma and potential repercussions on their future lives, a concern acknowledged by the Supreme Court in its observations. The case was also linked to other criminal activities in the region, including the involvement of [[Khaleel Chishty|Khaleel Chishti]], who was implicated in a murder case in Ajmer in 1992.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-12-22 |title=Jailed Pakistan doctor Chisty's clemency plea rejected |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jailed-pakistan-doctor-chistyamprsquos-clemency-plea-rejected/articleshow/11200947.cms |access-date=2023-06-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=7 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507041202/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jailed-pakistan-doctor-chistyamprsquos-clemency-plea-rejected/articleshow/11200947.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Incidents ==
The blackmail operation was discovered to have been carried out by a chain of [[History-sheeter|serial offenders]]. A specific group of local politically influential men were targeting young girls: for example, firstly Farooq Chishti lured one of the girls from Sophia Secondary School in Ajmer and took sexual photos of her.<ref name=inf>{{Cite web|title=एक-एक कर फार्महाउस पर बुलाया, 100 लड़कियों का रेप किया|url=https://www.thelallantop.com/tehkhana/ajmer-rape-case-infamous-rape-case-in-indian-history/|access-date=2021-01-25|website=LallanTop|language=hi|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221105034/https://www.thelallantop.com/tehkhana/ajmer-rape-case-infamous-rape-case-in-indian-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> Then, the accused blackmailed the girl into introducing them to her classmates and friends. Eventually, other girls would be raped, sexually exploited, and have their pictures taken at a farmhouse.<ref name=inf/> The cycle continued so forth, with [[Grooming gang|the gang continuing to expand its operations]] and victimize an increasing number of girls. They photographed the girls in compromising positions, using the images to exploit the victims.<ref name="outlookindia1">{{cite web|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=746397 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630024643/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=746397 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-06-30 |title=Ajmer Sex Scandal: Accused Nabbed After 19 Years |publisher=news.outlookindia.com |date= |access-date=2013-05-13 }}</ref>

== Timeline ==
The known timeline of the Ajmer rape scandal begins in 1990. Among the victims was a Class 12 student at Savitri School, who aspired to join the [[Indian National Congress|Congress party]]. She was introduced to Nafees and Farooq Chishti by an acquaintance who assured her that they were influential and could help her achieve her political ambitions.<ref name="Gangraped in teens, visiting courts as grandmothers: 1992 Ajmer horror is an open wound"/>

According to her testimony, documented in a 2003 Supreme Court judgment, [[Sexual grooming|she was groomed]], sexually assaulted, and subsequently blackmailed by the Chishti duo. They coerced her into bringing other young women into their circle, often under the guise of helping them join the Congress. Nafees and Farooq gained her trust by offering her a lift in their van and promising to discuss her entry into the party. Instead, they took her to a farmhouse, where Nafees assaulted her and threatened her life if she disclosed the incident. This marked the beginning of a series of similar assaults.<ref name="Gangraped in teens, visiting courts as grandmothers: 1992 Ajmer horror is an open wound"/>

The perpetrators, sometimes introduced to the victims as her brothers, would invite them to "parties" at a farmhouse or Farooq's bungalow on Foy Sagar Road. Many of these women were drugged and [[gangrape|sexually assaulted by one or more men]], who often took photographs of the rapes to blackmail the victims into silence.<ref name="inf" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2024-08-20 |title=POCSO Court Convicts 6 More In 1992 Ajmer Rape-Blackmail Case; Over 100 Girls Victims |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/posco-court-convicts-6-more-in-1992-ajmer-rape-blackmail-case-over-100-girls-were-gangraped-enn24082003976 |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=en |archive-date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821001742/https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/posco-court-convicts-6-more-in-1992-ajmer-rape-blackmail-case-over-100-girls-were-gangraped-enn24082003976 |url-status=live }}</ref>

She also testified that she and another victim initially sought help from a [[Constable|police constable]], who introduced them to an officer in the Ajmer police special branch. However, after receiving threatening calls, it became clear that the police were either complicit or ineffective in providing protection. At one point, a gang member, Moijullah, cryptically warned her that "the game which they were playing was a game they had played long back," underscoring the deeply entrenched nature of the criminal network.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Jyoti |date=2022-01-29 |title=Gangraped in teens, visiting courts as grandmothers: 1992 Ajmer horror is an open wound |url=https://theprint.in/ground-reports/gangraped-in-teens-visiting-courts-as-grandmothers-1992-ajmer-horror-is-an-open-wound/814073/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111095317/https://theprint.in/ground-reports/gangraped-in-teens-visiting-courts-as-grandmothers-1992-ajmer-horror-is-an-open-wound/814073/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Chishti family, who held significant religious and political influence, were allegedly shielded by their status. According to journalist Santosh Gupta, law enforcement officials, from Superintendents of Police to [[Station house officer|Station House Officers]], often sought the Chishtis' mediation in legal matters, making it difficult to hold them accountable.<ref name=":0" />

The scandal came to public attention when employees at a photo lab, where the perpetrators had their incriminating photographs developed, began circulating the images. A reel developer, boasted about the photos to his neighbor, Devendra Jain, who then made copies and distributed them to ''Dainik Navajyoti'' and the local [[Vishva Hindu Parishad|Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)]] group. The VHP workers forwarded the images to the police, prompting an inquiry.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-20 |title=What is the sensational Ajmer sex case in which 6 got life terms after 32 years |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ajmer-sex-scandal-case-6-accused-life-imprisonment-after-32-years-5-lakh-each-fine-pocso-court-2585314-2024-08-20 |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821001742/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ajmer-sex-scandal-case-6-accused-life-imprisonment-after-32-years-5-lakh-each-fine-pocso-court-2585314-2024-08-20 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 21 April 1992, journalist Santosh Gupta published the first report on the sexual exploitation in ''Dainik Navajyoti''. However, it was the second report on 15 May 1992, which included blurred images of the victims, that caused a public outcry. The case gained widespread attention, leading to a complete shutdown of Ajmer on 18 May 1992, driven by public outrage over the scandal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Called one by one to the farmhouse, raped 100 girls, that tarnished story of Rajasthan Ajmer 1992 Dargah – The Scoop India |url=https://thescoop.in/2022/03/25/called-one-by-one-to-the-farmhouse-raped-100-girls-that-tarnished-story-of-rajasthan-ajmer-1992-dargah/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |language=en-US |archive-date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821001745/https://thescoop.in/2022/03/25/called-one-by-one-to-the-farmhouse-raped-100-girls-that-tarnished-story-of-rajasthan-ajmer-1992-dargah/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-17 |title=Ajmer 92: The gangrape and blackmail case that shook the city |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/ajmer-92-the-gangrape-and-blackmail-case-that-shook-the-city-12878542.html |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref>

== Investigation ==
{{Expand section|date=August 2024}}
The editor of Navjyoti, Deenbandhu Chaudhary, had admitted that the local law enforcement authorities were aware of the scandal almost since a year before the story broke, but they allowed the local politicians to stall the investigations.<ref name=":O1">{{Cite web |last=Kranti |first=Vijay |date=December 26, 2012 |title=Murder of Ajmer daily editor exposes sordid sex scandal involving criminals, politicians |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/crime/story/19921015-murder-of-ajmer-daily-editor-exposes-sordid-sex-scandal-involving-criminals-politicians-767014-2012-12-26 |access-date=2021-05-02 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228161543/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/crime/story/19921015-murder-of-ajmer-daily-editor-exposes-sordid-sex-scandal-involving-criminals-politicians-767014-2012-12-26 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Chaudhary stated that they finally decided to go ahead with the story because that seemed to be the only way to prod the local administration into action. Finally, the police lodged an [[First information report|FIR]] against eight of the accused. Further investigations led to 18 men in total being charged and tensions ran high in the town for several days.

The case was indirectly connected to Khaleel Chishti, a relative of the accused, who had previously been implicated in a 1992 murder case in Ajmer, suggesting possible longstanding familial associations with criminal activity.

People took to the streets to protest and tension in the community grew. A three-day [[bandh]] was imposed and subsequent news of the widespread exploitation and blackmail started coming in. Retired Rajasthan DGP Omendra Bhardwaj, who was the [[Deputy inspector general of police|Deputy Inspector General of Police]] in Ajmer at that time, stated that the social and financial aristocracy of the accused stopped many more victims from coming forward. The number of victims was believed to be several hundred. Another realisation was that many of the victims had already died by suicide.<ref name="sc11">{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/|title=Almost three decades after a rape, blackmail case rocked Ajmer, surrender of an accused opens old wounds|date=25 February 2018|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=2 August 2018|first=Deep|last=Mukherjee|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165129/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Rajasthan police's Special Operations Group (SOG) arrested Salim Chishti, 42, one of the accused from Khalid Mohalla in Ajmer town on 4 January 2012.<ref name="mid-day1992">{{cite web |date=2012-01-04 |title=Accused in 1992 Ajmer sex scandal case arrested |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2012/jan/041211-Accused-in-1992-Ajmer-sex-scandal-case-arrested.htm |access-date=2013-05-13 |publisher=Mid-day.com |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904135323/https://www.mid-day.com/news/2012/jan/041211-Accused-in-1992-Ajmer-sex-scandal-case-arrested.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Accused charged ==
All of the 19 accused were charged with abduction. The main accused Farooq Chishti was president of the [[Indian Youth Congress|Ajmer Youth Congress]]. Nafees Chishti was the vice-president of [[Indian National Congress|Ajmer Indian National Congress]] and Anwar Chishti was the Joint Secretary of Ajmer Indian National Congress. Moijullah (alias Puttan), Ishrat Ali, Anwar Chishti, and Shamshuddin (alias Meradona) were also sentenced by the court.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-25|title=Almost three decades after a rape, blackmail case rocked Ajmer, surrender of an accused opens old wounds|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/|access-date=2020-06-15|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165129/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Multiple main accused of the case attempted to flee, absconder Suhail Ghani hid for 26 years before surrendering in 2018 while absconder Salim Chishti was arrested in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-25 |title=Almost three decades after a rape, blackmail case rocked Ajmer, surrender of an accused opens old wounds |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165129/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Another main accused, Syed Almas, is still a fugitive and wanted in India. It is believed that he fled to the [[United States]]. [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] issued an [[Interpol]] red notice for his on the charges of rape and criminal extortion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=View Red Notices |url=https://www.interpol.int/How-we-work/Notices/Red-Notices/View-Red-Notices#2005-51592 |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=www.interpol.int |language=en |archive-date=12 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912183108/https://www.interpol.int/How-we-work/Notices/Red-Notices/View-Red-Notices#2005-51592 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1" />
== Trial ==
According to the police and women-focused [[NGO]]s, it was difficult to build a case against the perpetrators, as most victims were reluctant to come forward. However, the photographs and videos used to blackmail the victims helped identify the accused and build the case against them.

Thirty victims were identified in the investigations. Out of these, only about a dozen filed cases, and ten later backed out. Only two victims pursued the case. 

Of the 18 accused who were charged with abduction and [[gang rape]] under the [[Indian Penal Code]] and [[Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act]], one has since died by suicide. In 2003, the Rajasthan High Court upheld the decision.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/main-accused-in-ajmer-sex-scandal-surrenders-after-26-years/articleshow/62938690.cms|title=Main accused in Ajmer sex scandal surrenders after 26 years - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=16 February 2018 |publisher=}}</ref> In 2004 the Supreme Court dismissed both appeals filed by the state, as well as the convicts. A bench comprising Justice [[N. Santosh Hegde]] and Justice [[B. P. Singh (judge)|BP Singh]] reduced the life sentence to 10 years, they were released immediately as they had completed their sentence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prasad |first=Sheetal |title=1992 Ajmer Scandal: 6 Accused Sentenced To Life Imprisonment |url=https://news24online.com/india/ajmer-sex-scandal-pocso-court-convicts-6-accused-after-32-years/319415/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=News24 |language=en |archive-date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821001742/https://news24online.com/india/ajmer-sex-scandal-pocso-court-convicts-6-accused-after-32-years/319415/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 August 2024 |title=Pocso court awards life term to six in 1992 Ajmer rape cases |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pocso-court-awards-life-term-to-six-in-1992-ajmer-rape-cases-101724178481113.html |work=The Hindustan Times |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007201112/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pocso-court-awards-life-term-to-six-in-1992-ajmer-rape-cases-101724178481113.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Farooq Chishti was declared [[Schizophrenia|schizophrenic]], but later convicted by a fast track court in 2007. The Rajasthan High Court upheld the decision but reduced his sentence leading to his release in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-21 |title=Ajmer sex scandal: Pocso court hands life sentence to 6 more accused in 1992 case |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/1992-ajmer-gangrape-blackmail-case-pocso-court-hands-life-sentence-to-6-more-accused/articleshow/112656413.cms |access-date=2024-08-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820171114/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/1992-ajmer-gangrape-blackmail-case-pocso-court-hands-life-sentence-to-6-more-accused/articleshow/112656413.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 20 August 2024, 6 accused were sentenced to life imprisonment by a special [[Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act|POCSO]] court in [[Ajmer]]. The convicts are Nafees Chishti, Naseem alias Tarzan, Salim Chishti, Iqbal Bhati, Sohail Ghani and Syed Zameer Hussain. Among them, Naseem alias Tarzan went absconding in 1994, and Zahoor Chishti was found guilty under Section 377 (unnatural sex) of the Indian Penal Code and his case was transferred to another court. They were also fined ₹5 lakh each.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=20 August 2024 |title=1991 Ajmer gangrape-blackmail case: Pocso court hands life sentences to 6 more accused |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/1992-ajmer-gangrape-blackmail-case-pocso-court-hands-life-sentence-to-6-more-accused/articleshow/112656413.cms |access-date=20 August 2024 |newspaper=Times of India |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820171114/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/1992-ajmer-gangrape-blackmail-case-pocso-court-hands-life-sentence-to-6-more-accused/articleshow/112656413.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-20 |title=1992 Ajmer rapes: POCSO court sentences 6 to life imprisonment |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/1992-ajmer-rapes-pocso-court-life-imprisonment-9523783/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820222012/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/1992-ajmer-rapes-pocso-court-life-imprisonment-9523783/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Victims ==
After the rape, most victims experienced harassment and threats, with no support from society or their families. According to police investigations, about six victims allegedly [[Suicide in India|took their own lives]]. ''Ajmer Mahila Samooh'' (Ajmer Women Association), who tried to take up the victim's cause, withdrew after receiving threats. Small-time tabloids were quite a sensation in Ajmer at that time. Many victims were even allegedly blackmailed further by these tabloids and local papers. They had access to the explicit images of the girls, and the owners and publishers sought money from the families of the girls to keep them hidden.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roytalukdar |first=Rakhee |title=Ajmer gangrape victims get justice 32 years later as 6 get life imprisonment |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajasthan/1992-ajmer-rapes-pocso-court-sentences-6-to-life-imprisonment-3157154 |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821223216/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajasthan/1992-ajmer-rapes-pocso-court-sentences-6-to-life-imprisonment-3157154 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Due to the multiple surrendering, sentencing, or any other development in the case, the survivors had to return to court and narrate their stories, causing them to relive the horror over and over. This caused many of the victims and witnesses to turn hostile.<ref name="Gangraped in teens, visiting courts as grandmothers: 1992 Ajmer horror is an open wound" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-17 |title=Ajmer 92: The gangrape and blackmail case that shook the city |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/ajmer-92-the-gangrape-and-blackmail-case-that-shook-the-city-12878542.html |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us |archive-date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821001742/https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/ajmer-92-the-gangrape-and-blackmail-case-that-shook-the-city-12878542.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Supreme Court, while reviewing appeals, observed that societal stigma and fear of repercussions deterred many victims from testifying, contributing to the weakening of the case.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-30 |title=Victims of the 1992 Ajmer rape and blackmail case get justice after 32 years |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr40dzlezp7o |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Aftermath ==
People took to the streets to protest, and communal tension grew.<ref name="indianexpress.com">(the journalist who broke {{Cite web |date=2018-02-25 |title=Almost three decades after a rape, blackmail case rocked Ajmer, surrender of an accused opens old wounds |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-almost-three-decades-after-a-rape-blackmail-case-rocked-ajmer-surrender-of-an-accused-opens-old-wounds-5076914/ |access-date=2020-06-12 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> A three-day [[bandh]] was observed and much subsequent news of the widespread exploitation and blackmail started coming in.<ref name=:O1/> Ajmer was completely shutdown on 18 May 1992, following the public outrage after the victim's photographs were published in the newspaper. The police were also criticized for not acting even after having information about the ongoing sexual abuse. It had also stalled the case because the local politicians warned action against the accused would lead to massive community tension.<ref name="sc11" />

Musabbir Hussain, Joint Secretary of the Anjuman Committee which oversees the Ajmer Dargah, told ''[[Indian Express]]'', "It's a case that nobody in Ajmer wants to talk about because of the nature of the crime. It's a blot on our city's history."<ref name="sc11" />

N. K. Patni, then [[Superintendent of police (India)|Superintendent of Police]] of the [[Criminal Investigation Department (India)|CID-Crime Branch]], remarked that the case emerged during a period of escalating communal tensions in India. Patni highlighted the challenges in preventing the communalization of the case, given that the main accused were Muslims and most victims were Hindus.<ref name="Gangraped in teens, visiting courts as grandmothers: 1992 Ajmer horror is an open wound" />

== Media portrayal ==
[[Zee News]] aired a documentary "The Black Chapter of Ajmer" on 16 July 2023 <ref>{{Cite web |last=Zee News |date=2023-07-16 |title=वो कांड जिसने केवल अजमेर या राजस्थान को ही नहीं, बल्कि पूरे देश को झकझोर दिया था... देखिये 'The Black Chapter Of Ajmer' आज रात 8 बजे सिर्फ @zeenews पर #TheBlackChapterOfAjmer #Documentary #ZeeDocs |url=https://x.com/ZeeNews/status/1680533428112900096?s=20 |website=Twitter |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=11 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211192605/https://x.com/ZeeNews/status/1680533428112900096?s=20 |url-status=live }}</ref> regarding the case, which was temporarily available on [[YouTube]] before its [[Censorship in India|subsequent removal the following day]]. This documentary is directed by Shailendra Pandey.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28483258/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_2_dr | title=The Black Chapter of Ajmer | website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref>

[[Ajmer 92]], a film based upon the scandal was released on 21 July 2023. Reacting to the film's release, Sarwar Chishti of Ajmer Dargah was heard [[Victim blaming|blaming women for the crimes against them]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-12 |title="बाई ही गोष्टच अशी आहे की.." 'अजमेर 92' सिनेमावर सरवर चिश्तींचं वादग्रस्त वक्तव्य{{!}} Ajmer Dargah Sarwar Chishti Controversial Statement on Women Scandal and movie Ajmer 92 |url=https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/ajmer-dargah-sarwar-chishti-controversial-statement-on-women-scandal-and-movie-ajmer-92-scj-81-3717459/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Loksatta |language=mr |archive-date=20 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820222014/https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/ajmer-dargah-sarwar-chishti-controversial-statement-on-women-scandal-and-movie-ajmer-92-scj-81-3717459/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ajmer 92: अजमेर दरगाह के खादिम सरवर चिश्ती ने लड़कियों को लेकर दिया विवादित बयान |url=https://www.amarujala.com/rajasthan/ajmer-dargah-khadim-sarwar-chishti-controversial-statement-on-girls-ajmer-92-film-2023-06-10 |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi |archive-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622053451/https://www.amarujala.com/rajasthan/ajmer-dargah-khadim-sarwar-chishti-controversial-statement-on-girls-ajmer-92-film-2023-06-10 |url-status=live }}</ref> He later apologized saying that his comments were a slip of tongue and were recorded off-the record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Indo-Asian News |date=2023-06-10 |title='Girls can make even the biggest person slip', says Sarwar Chishti of Ajmer Dargah |url=https://www.siasat.com/girls-can-make-even-the-biggest-person-slip-says-sarwar-chishti-of-ajmer-dargah-2612006/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=The Siasat Daily |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[Rape in India]]
*[[List of scandals in India]]
*[[Religious persecution]]
*[[Ajmer 92]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040203/asp/nation/story_2854279.asp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203191159/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040203/asp/nation/story_2854279.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 February 2013 |title=The Telegraph - Calcutta : Nation |publisher=Telegraphindia.com |date=2004-02-03 |access-date=2013-05-13}}

{{Social issues in India}}
{{Sexual abuse}}
{{Rape in India}}
[[Category:School sexual abuse scandals]]
[[Category:Gang rape in India]]
[[Category:Violence against women in India]]
[[Category:Corruption in India]]
[[Category:Sex scandals in India]]
[[Category:Crime in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:1990s crimes in India]]
[[Category:History of Ajmer]]
[[Category:Incidents of violence against girls]]
[[Category:Blackmail]]
[[Category:1990s in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Rape in the 1990s]]
[[Category:Child sexual abuse in India]]
[[Category:Rape trials]]
[[Category:Trials in India]]