Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit the ground running upon landing in Varanasi, convening a high-stakes tarmac meeting with the city’s Police Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner, and District Magistrate to confront a shocking gangrape case rattling his parliamentary constituency.

A 19-year-old woman alleged that 23 men drugged and assaulted her over seven days, from March 29 to April 4, after being lured to a hookah bar in Pishachmochan. The attacks unfolded across hotels, cafes, and a warehouse, with the survivor returning home disoriented before confiding in her family.

Modi ordered the “strictest possible action,” with 12 suspects, including alleged ringleaders tied to a prior sex racket, now arrested. Police are scouring CCTV footage and raiding hideouts to nab the remaining culprits. His forceful call for swift justice and systemic reforms underscored a broader mission to ensure safety, particularly for women.

The vivid image of Modi’s huddle with top officials sent a powerful message: Varanasi’s progress, marked by Rs 3,900 crore in new projects, must be matched by unwavering security. By tackling such crimes head-on, Modi reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the dignity of all citizens in his constituency and beyond.