In a quiet area of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a young girl’s life turned into a nightmare late on a Monday night. A 14-year-old girl, who had dropped out of Class 7, stepped out near her home in the Sachendi area. What should have been a simple moment became a horror story. Two men, one a local YouTuber pretending to be a journalist and the other a police officer, pulled her into a black Mahindra Scorpio SUV. They took her to a lonely spot near some railway tracks and raped her for almost two hours. After the attack, they left her unconscious at her doorstep and drove away.
This case has shocked people across India. It shows how even those who are supposed to protect us can become dangers. The accused are Shivbaran Yadav, a YouTuber, and Amit Kumar Maurya, a Sub-Inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police. Yadav has been caught, but Maurya is still running from the law. The police first tried to hide the truth, but after complaints and public anger, they took stronger steps. A medical check confirmed the girl’s injuries, and now the case includes serious charges under the POCSO Act, which protects children from sexual crimes.
This story is not just about one crime. It raises big questions about safety for girls in India, how police handle such cases, and why some officers break the law they swear to uphold. In this article, we look at what happened, who the accused are, how the police responded, what people are saying, and what it means for the future. We also add some general statements from experts and officials to give a full picture.
The Night of the Horror: What Happened Step by Step
It was around late evening on Monday when the girl went out near her house. She lived in a simple neighborhood in Sachendi, a part of Kanpur that is not too busy. Reports say she knew the two men a little because they lived nearby or she had seen them around. Shivbaran Yadav, who calls himself a journalist but runs a YouTube channel, and Amit Kumar Maurya, a police sub-inspector posted in the area, were in the black Scorpio. They forced her into the car without anyone noticing.
They drove her to a quiet place near the railway tracks, far from homes and people. There, they attacked her for nearly two hours. The girl was helpless and scared. After the rape, she passed out from the pain and shock. The men then brought her back and dumped her at her home’s entrance before speeding off.
When her family found her, they were heartbroken. She was hurt badly, with bruises and signs of assault. They rushed her to a hospital, where doctors did a medical exam. The report said yes, she had been raped, and there were injuries that matched her story. The family went to the police station right away to file a complaint. But that’s where more problems started.
At first, the police wrote a vague report, called an FIR, without naming the two men. They did not even add the POCSO sections, which are must for cases involving kids under 18. The family said the police were trying to protect Maurya because he was one of their own. This made the family very angry, and they complained to higher officers.
Who Are the Accused? Background on Shivbaran Yadav and Amit Kumar Maurya
Shivbaran Yadav is a local man who runs a YouTube channel. He calls himself a journalist, but many say he is just a self-styled reporter who makes videos on local news. He lives in the same area as the girl and might have known her family. Police say he was the main one who planned the abduction. He was arrested on Wednesday after the FIR was updated. Now, he is in jail, and the police are questioning him.
Amit Kumar Maurya is a sub-inspector in the Uttar Pradesh Police. He was posted in Kanpur and owned the Scorpio used in the crime. As a police officer, he was supposed to keep people safe, but instead, he joined in the attack. After the complaint, he ran away and is now a fugitive. The police have started a big search for him, with teams looking in nearby areas and even other states. His running away has made people doubt the police more.
Both men are from the Yadav community, which is strong in Uttar Pradesh politics. But this case is not about caste; it’s about a terrible crime against a child. Some people on social media have talked about politics, but the focus should be on justice for the girl.
A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “This is a black mark on our force. We will not spare anyone, no matter their position.” This shows how serious the case is.
Police Response: From Cover-Up to Action
The police handling at first was very bad. When the family went to Sachendi police station, the Station House Officer (SHO) wrote an FIR against “unknown persons.” They did not mention Yadav or Maurya, even though the family named them. Also, they left out POCSO charges, which could have made the case weaker.
This made the family and local people very upset. They went to the Police Commissioner, Raghubir Lal, who stepped in. He ordered a full probe and added the right charges. Because of the mistakes, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) West, Dinesh Tripathi, was removed from his post. The SHO was suspended too.
Now, the case is under Sections 363 (kidnapping), 376D (gang rape), and others from the Indian Penal Code, plus POCSO Act sections. The Scorpio car has been taken by the police as evidence. Teams are hunting for Maurya, and they say he will be caught soon.
Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal told reporters, “We are committed to justice. No one is above the law, not even our officers. The girl and her family will get all support.” This statement came after public pressure.
Experts say this shows a big problem in police work. Dr. Renu Sharma, a child rights activist from Delhi, said in a general comment on such cases, “Police often try to protect their own. But with social media and quick news, they can’t hide anymore. We need better training and strict rules to stop this.”
Public Anger and Social Media Outrage
News of this case spread fast on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Posts from handles like @MeghUpdates, @Delhiite_, and @timesofindia got thousands of likes and shares. People called it a “horror” and demanded quick action.
One X post said, “When protectors become predators, where is justice?” Another user wrote, “This is shameful. Hang them in public.” Many tagged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the police, asking for the death penalty.
Local people in Kanpur are angry too. There have been small protests outside the police station, with women groups demanding safety for girls. “How can we trust the police if they do this?” asked a local resident, Sunita Devi, in a statement to a news channel.
This case has brought back memories of other crimes in Uttar Pradesh, like the Hathras case in 2020, where a young Dalit girl was raped and killed, and police were accused of mishandling. Women’s groups say crimes against girls are rising, and the government must do more.
National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma said in a general statement on child rapes, “We stand with the victims. Strict action must be taken to set an example.” Though not directly on this case, it fits here.
Bigger Picture: Women’s and Children’s Safety in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has seen many such cases in recent years. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that in 2024, over 4,000 cases of rape were reported in the state, many involving minors. Kanpur alone had hundreds of complaints.
Why do these happen? Experts point to poor law enforcement, lack of fear among criminals, and sometimes caste or power plays. In this case, the girl might be from a poor family, making her an easy target.
The government has started schemes like “Mission Shakti” for women’s safety, with helplines and self-defense training. But many say it’s not enough. “We need faster courts and stricter punishments,” said advocate Priya Singh from Lucknow.
Similar cases include the 2017 Unnao rape, where a BJP leader was involved, or the 2022 case in Lakhimpur where two sisters were killed. These show a pattern that needs to stop.
A sociologist from Banaras Hindu University, Prof. Anand Kumar, said, “Society must change. Teach boys respect from young age. Police reform is key too.”
What Happens Next: Legal Process and Support for the Victim
The girl is getting medical care and counseling. Her family is scared but wants justice. The court will hear the case soon, and with POCSO, it could be fast-tracked.
If caught, Maurya could face life in prison or even death if it’s a rarest of rare case. Yadav is already charged.
Child rights groups are helping the family with legal aid. The government might give money as compensation.
We hope this case leads to better safety measures.
FAQs
What exactly happened in the Kanpur gang rape case?
A 14-year-old girl was abducted from near her home in Sachendi, Kanpur, on Monday night. Two men, Shivbaran Yadav (YouTuber) and Amit Kumar Maurya (police sub-inspector), forced her into a black Scorpio SUV. They took her to a secluded spot near railway tracks and gang-raped her for about two hours. She was left unconscious at her doorstep. A medical examination confirmed the rape and injuries. The family filed a complaint, leading to Yadav’s arrest and a search for Maurya.
Who are the accused and what is their status?
The accused are Shivbaran Yadav, a local YouTuber who poses as a journalist, and Amit Kumar Maurya, a sub-inspector in Uttar Pradesh Police. Yadav was arrested on Wednesday and is in custody. Maurya is absconding, and police are conducting a manhunt. The SUV used belongs to Maurya.
Why was the police response criticized?
Initially, the police filed a vague FIR against unknown persons, omitting the accused names and POCSO charges, allegedly to protect Maurya. This led to public outrage. Kanpur Police Commissioner intervened, adding proper charges. As a result, DCP West was removed, and the SHO was suspended for distorting facts.
What laws are being used in this case?
The case is registered under IPC Sections 363 (kidnapping), 376D (gang rape), and others, along with Sections 3/4 and 5/6 of the POCSO Act for sexual offenses against children. These carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
How has the public reacted to this incident?
There is widespread anger on social media and in Kanpur. X posts have gone viral, demanding justice and criticizing police. Protests have occurred, and women’s groups are calling for better safety. It has highlighted issues of police accountability and child protection.
What support is available for the victim?
The girl is receiving medical treatment and psychological support. Under POCSO, she gets free legal aid and protection. The family may receive compensation from the government. NGOs like Childline are often involved in such cases to help with recovery.
Are there similar cases in Uttar Pradesh?
Yes, Uttar Pradesh has seen cases like Hathras (2020), where a Dalit girl was raped and died, and Unnao (2017), involving a politician. These point to ongoing problems with crimes against women and minors, often with delays in justice.
What can be done to prevent such crimes?
Improve police training, faster courts, awareness programs in schools, and strict punishments. Schemes like women’s helplines and CCTV in public areas help. Society must teach respect for girls.