Jaipur, December 5, 2025 – In a chilling incident that has shocked the local community, an 18-year-old woman in Bikaner, Rajasthan, was allegedly raped and murdered by two labourers near her home on Thursday evening. The accused are reportedly still absconding, and police have launched extensive searches to apprehend them. Authorities said the two men were working in a field close to the victim’s residence when the crime occurred, highlighting concerns about safety in rural areas and the vulnerability of young women even in their own neighbourhoods.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Niket Pareek of Sridungargarh, Bikaner, provided details of the incident, explaining how the events unfolded. According to the DSP, the two labourers initially approached the victim’s mother to ask for tea. “The two labourers were working in the field near the woman’s house. They had asked for some tea from her mother,” DSP Pareek said. The mother initially refused, but later, in consideration of the dropping evening temperatures, she and her daughter agreed to offer the men a cup of tea.

The DSP detailed that the victim’s mother prepared the tea inside the kitchen and asked her daughter to serve it to the men outside. “A few moments later, her mother heard her crying for help. When she came out of her house, she saw the two men committing the crime,” he added. Shockingly, the men allegedly threw the woman into a nearby water tank before fleeing the scene upon seeing her mother approach.

Local residents, responding to the woman’s mother’s cries, rushed to the scene and recovered the victim from the water tank. Despite their efforts, she was found dead. “Upon hearing her mother shout, the locals arrived at the spot and recovered the woman from the tank. However, she was dead,” DSP Pareek confirmed.

In response to the incident, the victim’s mother lodged a formal complaint with the local police. Based on this complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the two accused under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the newly enacted criminal code that replaced previous statutes in India. The police have formed multiple teams to locate and apprehend the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the victim’s body was sent for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death and gather forensic evidence.

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that all efforts are being made to ensure swift justice. DSP Pareek stated, “The accused are still absconding. We have formed teams to find them. The woman’s body was sent for an autopsy.” The police are also reviewing local security arrangements and have urged residents to report any suspicious activity in the area.

The case has once again highlighted the dangers women face in rural areas, particularly when interacting with strangers or individuals working nearby. Experts say such incidents underscore the urgent need for community awareness, enhanced policing, and effective preventive measures to safeguard women and children in villages and small towns.

According to legal and social analysts, crimes of this nature not only devastate families but also leave a lasting impact on the social fabric of the community. The DSP’s account indicates that the crime was premeditated, taking advantage of the isolated setting near the victim’s home. While the mother and daughter had initially refused the labourers’ request, their attempt to show hospitality and kindness was tragically exploited.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from local authorities, political leaders, and community organizations. Many have called for immediate arrest of the accused and strict punishment under the law. Community members have also organized meetings to discuss measures to prevent such crimes, emphasizing the importance of neighborhood vigilance, timely reporting of suspicious activity, and coordination with law enforcement agencies.

While the investigation continues, police are employing multiple strategies to track the two labourers, who are considered highly dangerous. Authorities are checking transportation hubs, local lodges, and neighbouring districts, as well as coordinating with law enforcement teams across Rajasthan to ensure the suspects are apprehended as quickly as possible.

The FIR registered under the BNS is expected to cover charges of rape, murder, and related offences. Legal experts note that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provides for stringent penalties in cases involving sexual assault and homicide, including the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty for particularly heinous crimes. Investigators are also collecting statements from witnesses, gathering forensic evidence from the victim’s house, the surrounding fields, and the water tank to strengthen the case against the accused.

The community’s response to the incident has been one of shock and outrage. Local residents reported that the victim was a well-regarded young woman in her village and that her death has left families and neighbors deeply disturbed. Several social organizations have stepped forward to provide support to the bereaved family, while also advocating for enhanced safety measures for women in rural areas.

Experts suggest that the tragedy reflects broader societal challenges, including the vulnerability of women in isolated rural settings and the need for proactive policing. They recommend that local administrations consider measures such as improved street lighting, community watch programs, and increased patrolling in fields and isolated areas, particularly during late evenings. Additionally, social awareness campaigns focusing on women’s safety and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior could play a crucial role in preventing similar incidents in the future.

The Bikaner police have assured the public that all resources are being mobilized to ensure the swift capture of the two accused. The investigation team is using a combination of traditional policing methods and modern technology, including surveillance footage, mobile tracking, and informant networks, to locate the perpetrators. The authorities have appealed to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the accused to come forward and assist in the investigation.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced by women across India, highlighting the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach to safety that includes legal enforcement, community vigilance, and social awareness. The combination of timely reporting, active policing, and public cooperation will be essential in ensuring that the accused are brought to justice and that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.

As the investigation progresses, the Bikaner police have committed to keeping the public informed of any developments. Meanwhile, the local administration is providing counseling and support services to the victim’s family to help them cope with the trauma and loss. The swift action in registering the FIR and deploying search teams demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to justice, though public concern remains high until the accused are apprehended.

In conclusion, the alleged rape and murder of the 18-year-old woman in Bikaner is a harrowing reminder of the vulnerabilities women face, even within their homes and familiar surroundings. The police’s immediate response and the ongoing manhunt for the accused highlight both the challenges and the necessity of robust law enforcement mechanisms in rural India. The coming days will be crucial in ensuring the perpetrators are captured and brought to justice, while the incident underscores the broader need for societal vigilance and protective measures to safeguard women across the country.