Women’s commission orders probe after reports of nude gang attacks: Why are UP villages gripped by fear?

New Delhi: National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Monday directed a swift, impartial, and time-bound investigation into incidents reported from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where media reports claimed a so-called “nude gang” was attacking women.

Rahatkar also urged authorities to strengthen police patrolling in the affected areas to ensure women's safety.

In a letter to the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), she demanded the immediate identification and arrest of the accused and strict action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The DGP has been asked to submit a detailed report to the commission within three days.

The NCW said such incidents are a grave assault on women’s dignity and security, emphasising that the state administration must take urgent measures to protect communities.

Villagers live in fear after repeated attacks

In Meerut’s Daurala area, residents have reported at least four recent incidents in which men, described as young with long hair, allegedly emerged naked from crop-covered fields and tried to drag women into deserted areas to assault them.

The most recent case involved two men attempting to attack a woman in Bharala village. She resisted and screamed, allowing nearby residents to rush to her aid. Earlier incidents reportedly went unreported due to fear and social shame.

Villagers say the gang has so far only targeted women. Repeated incidents have left women reluctant to step outside, reports said.

Police response and ongoing investigation

Authorities have launched extensive search operations using drones, CCTV cameras, and deploying women constables to reassure residents. Despite this, no suspects have been identified. Police suspect the reports could be fabricated by anti-social elements seeking to tarnish the image of the police and local administration.