In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the main accused in a rape and blackmail case sustained a gunshot wound after allegedly trying to snatch a police officer’s pistol during an escape attempt, officials reported.

The accused, identified as Farhan, was being escorted by police to a location where he had reportedly lived with another suspect for evidence collection. During the journey, he asked to stop the vehicle claiming he needed to use the toilet. While halted near Ratibad, he attempted to grab the pistol of the accompanying sub-inspector. In the ensuing scuffle, the firearm discharged and Farhan was shot in the leg. He was immediately taken to Hamidia Hospital and is currently receiving treatment.

DCP Priyanka Shukla stated that a case has been filed under sections 64 and 61 of the BNS, sections 3 and 5 of the MP Freedom of Religion Act, and relevant provisions of the IT Act. Reports indicate that a group of former college students allegedly befriended and sexually assaulted female students, filming explicit videos to blackmail them into introducing more classmates to the group. Investigations are ongoing.