Desk Correspondent , Bhopal - A 26-year-old man was arrested on Friday in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district for allegedly murdering a 17-year-old rape victim after being released on bail. The accused, Manoj Ahirwar from Bhairopur in Sehore district, had been pressuring the minor to withdraw her POCSO complaint and marry him as his second wife. During an altercation at her home on Thursday, he attacked the girl and her mother, killing the victim on the spot and injuring the mother, who was hospitalised.

According to police, Ahirwar had lured the girl with promises of a better life a year ago before raping and abducting her. She was rescued, leading to his arrest under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was granted bail two months ago and resumed pressuring the family. Sub-divisional officer of police Sheela Surana said preliminary investigation showed he reached the victim’s home on Thursday to force her into withdrawing the case and living with him. When resisted, he turned violent. Ahirwar was later arrested from Bhopal and confessed during interrogation, admitting his intention to make her his second wife.

A case has been registered under Sections 103 (murder) and 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway. The incident has sparked concerns over the safety of sexual assault survivors, especially minors, after the accused’s release on bail. Police are examining how the perpetrator managed to approach the victim despite the serious charges. This case highlights ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable victims in Madhya Pradesh from repeat offences by those out on bail.