A 19-year-old woman was stabbed multiple times by a youth in broad daylight at Ujjain's busy medicine market on Friday, 26 June, leaving her seriously injured. Police have launched a manhunt for the accused after the victim identified him in her statement to investigators.

How the Attack Unfolded

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon near the main gate of the medicine market in the Freeganj area of Ujjain. The victim, Pooja Rajak, a resident of Bapu Nagar, works as a computer operator at Dayal Pharma and was on her way to work when the attack took place, according to police.

The accused allegedly stopped Pooja near the market entrance and spoke to her briefly before pulling out a knife and stabbing her repeatedly. He then fled the scene. The attack triggered panic in the crowded market, with traders and passersby rushing to assist the injured woman.

Victim's Condition and Medical Treatment

Shopkeepers and local residents immediately shifted Pooja to Charak Hospital, where doctors found multiple stab injuries on her abdomen, neck, and arms. She is currently undergoing treatment and her condition has been described as serious.

Prior Harassment and Suspect Identified

Police said the investigation is pointing towards a youth who had allegedly been harassing the victim for several days before the attack. Pooja's mother, Aarti Rajak, told police that a young man named Sunil had been troubling her daughter for the past four to five days. She added that the family had warned him two days before the attack after learning of the harassment.

In her statement to police, Pooja identified Sunil as her attacker. Investigators subsequently identified the suspect as Sunil Jaroliya, a resident of Dendia village in Ujjain district.

What the Police Said

Additional Superintendent of Police Nitesh Bhargava confirmed that the victim has identified the accused in her statement. He said a case has been registered and multiple police teams have been formed to secure his arrest. CCTV footage and other evidence from the scene are being examined, and all angles — including the alleged pre-attack harassment — are under active investigation.

This incident underscores growing concerns about the safety of women in public spaces in Madhya Pradesh, where similar cases of targeted attacks following harassment have been reported in recent months. As the manhunt continues, the focus will be on whether the accused is apprehended swiftly and whether the prior harassment complaints were formally recorded.