Rajasthan: Shutdown in Ajmer, right-wing groups demand CBI probe in Beawar case

The protest stemmed from allegations that the accused from the minority community were sexually assaulting minor girls from private schools, blackmailing them using explicit photos and videos

2 min readJaipurMar 2, 2025 04:25 AM IST

Police have registered a case under the POCSO Act and other relevant sections, including those pertaining to rape, and have launched an investigation

Ajmer observed a complete shutdown on Saturday as protests erupted, demanding strict action against the accused in the alleged Beawar rape and blackmail case. Various right-wing organisations demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter. A massive ‘Aakrosh protest’ rally was organised in the city, culminating at the collector’s office around 11:30 AM.

Members of several organisations scaled barricades and chanted slogans before submitting a memorandum to the collector. Deputy Mayor of Ajmer, Neeraj Jain, stated, “We want the case to be handed over to the CBI… Justice must not be delayed, as was seen in the Ajmer blackmail case, where culprits were punished after 33 years. This case should be fast-tracked to ensure timely justice.”

As many as 124 market associations pledged their support to the bandh across Ajmer, with shopkeepers urged to close their establishments.

However, essential services — including schools, colleges, petrol pumps, gas agencies, and hospitals — remained unaffected. During the bandh, videos circulated on social media showing members of different organisations enforcing the shutdown, some wielding sticks.

The protest stemmed from allegations that the accused from the minority community were sexually assaulting minor girls from private schools, blackmailing them using explicit photos and videos.

Police have registered a case under the POCSO Act and other relevant sections, including those pertaining to rape, and have launched an investigation. So far, the Bijainagar police have arrested 10 persons and detained three minors. Police are also interrogating former councilor Hakim Qureshi and café operator Sanwar Mal.

Parul Kulshrestha

Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions. Expertise and Experience Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public. Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas: Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight. Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women. Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use. Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More

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