Man arrested for mutilating woman’s breast after failed rape attempt:Head constable suspended for delay in filing FIR in Khandwa

A man accused of mutilating a woman’s breast after a failed rape attempt has been arrested in Khandwa district. The accused, identified as Akash Patel, allegedly broke into her house late at night and tried to sexually assault her. When she resisted, he attacked her with a knife. The incident took place around midnight on April 11 in the Pandhana police station area. According to police, the victim’s husband was away in Burhanpur at the time. Taking advantage of his absence, the accused entered the house by breaking the window grill and attempted to rape the woman. When he failed, he attacked her, severing part of her breast and stabbing her multiple times in the ribs. Victim hospitalised; condition stable The victim has been admitted to the Khandwa district hospital for the past six days. Doctors said her condition is currently stable. Dr M.L. Kalme, a surgery specialist at the hospital, stated that the woman sustained a deep wound—approximately one inch—in the breast, likely caused by a sharp weapon applied with force. She also had minor cuts below the chest. Surgery has been performed as part of her treatment. FIR filed after delay; policeman suspended The victim’s husband alleged that despite approaching the police outpost and even the Superintendent of Police, no immediate action was taken. He also claimed that the accused was linked to a local BJP leader, which led to delays in filing the FIR. Following media coverage by Dainik Bhaskar, an FIR was registered late Thursday night under charges of attempted rape and assault with a knife. The accused was taken into custody on Friday morning and brought to a local police outpost. A head constable, Hiralal Brahmane, has been suspended for negligence in handling the complaint, although reports suggest another officer was on duty at the time of the incident. BJP leader denies any connection Jitendra Patel, BJP Mandal President of Borgaon, denied any familial connection with the accused. “I don’t even have a brother, so how can he be my nephew?” Patel said. “He belongs to my village and community, but I have no association with him. Police should take strict action.” Prior threats alleged The victim’s husband said the accused had earlier entered their house on April 5 in an intoxicated state and threatened to rape his wife. He alleged that the accused had been loitering around their house since then. On the day of the incident, the accused reportedly knew the husband was away, as he had shared his travel plans to Burhanpur on WhatsApp status, which the accused had seen. Police said the accused is unmarried and works as a driver. The investigation is ongoing.