In a decisive late-night operation, police in Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra district have arrested all three accused involved in the horrific gang-rape of a 17-year-old tribal girl. The arrests followed an encounter where one of the alleged perpetrators was shot in the leg.
The Encounter and Arrest Operation
Acting on a critical tip-off, police teams tasked with apprehending the gang-rape suspects learned that the trio was hiding in the Billi Markundi mining area. Circle Officer (Obra) Amit Kumar detailed that the Obra police team swiftly cordoned off the location late on Saturday night.
When ordered to surrender, one of the accused, identified as Karan Dom, allegedly opened fire at the police personnel. All three men then attempted to flee the scene. The police team retaliated in self-defence, during which Karan sustained a bullet injury in his leg and was subsequently captured. His two accomplices were also arrested as police foiled their escape bid.
From the accused, law enforcement recovered a country-made pistol, live cartridges, a mobile phone, and Rs 380 in cash. The injured accused was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The heinous crime dates back to December 30. According to the police, the prime accused, Pappu alias Bindu Yadav, who worked as a mason, lured the minor girl—a co-worker—to a secluded hill. There, he, along with his accomplices Arjun Dom and Karan Dom, allegedly raped her.
The traumatized victim later confided in her mother about the ordeal. Based on the mother's complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Obra police station on January 2. Recognizing the gravity of the case involving a tribal minor, authorities formed two special police teams to track down the culprits, which led to the successful operation.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The swift action by the Sonbhadra police highlights a focused response to a severe crime against a vulnerable minor from the tribal community. All three accused are now in custody and face serious charges. The police have ensured the injured accused receives treatment while being under guard, paving the way for legal proceedings to begin.
This case has once again brought attention to crimes against women and minors in the region, with authorities demonstrating a commitment to rapid investigation and apprehension. The recovery of the firearm also points to the potential danger the accused posed, justifying the police's defensive action during the encounter.
