Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the foundation stone laying and inauguration of development projects worth ₹3884.18 crore, in Varanasi on Friday.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (April 11, 2025) in Varanasi directed officials to take the ‘strictest’ action in the gang rape of a 19-year-old woman in his parliamentary constituency, where he arrived to launch development projects.

At least nine people have been arrested and sent to judicial custody in connection with the alleged gang rape of the 19-year-old student.

“Upon arriving at Varanasi airport, the Prime Minister immediately sought a detailed briefing from the Police Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner, and District Magistrate regarding the recent criminal rape incident in the city. He instructed them to take the strictest possible action against the culprits and to implement appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” reads a statement from U.P. government.

The victim in her complaint alleged that several accused gang-raped her at multiple locations in Varanasi. Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s family, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on April 7 against 12 named and 11 unidentified persons.

Mr. Modi is on a one-day visit to his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh. This is his 50th visit to the Lok Sabha seat he has represented since 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over a certificate for Geographical Indications (GI) during an event, in Varanasi on Friday.
| Photo Credit:
ANI

Mr. Modi addressed a public gathering and inaugurated and lay the foundation stone for 44 projects worth over ₹3,880 crore. Among the projects Mr. Modi inaugurated are schemes related to rural development, including 130 drinking water projects, 100 new Anganwadi centers, 356 libraries, a polytechnic college in Pindra, and a government degree college.