Rajkot: Eight individuals, among them two minors, have been formally charged with the repeated gang rape of a 14-year-old girl over a span of two months, police confirmed on Tuesday. The complaint was registered at the Bhaktinagar police station.
Details of the Accused
Those booked include Devil alias Sahil, Sahil alias Zeri, Mihir Kugasiya, Razak Theba, Dhaval, Asif Shahmadar, and two minors. Authorities have invoked Sections 37, 64(2)(m), 65(1), 70(2), 351(2), 223, and 204 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).
Timeline of Assaults
Police stated that the victim was subjected to rape at various locations across Rajkot city between March 15 and May 16. The girl, who has completed education up to Class VII and now performs household chores, disclosed to police that approximately three months ago, the first minor—a friend—gave her a mobile phone. Since the phone lacked a SIM card, she obtained one from the second minor, who was a friend of the first minor.
According to the complaint, the girl became friends with the second minor, and he would call her to meet at Sorathiyawadi Circle garden. The first minor also introduced her to Devil alias Sahil via Instagram. On March 29, Devil allegedly took her to Sahil alias Zeri's residence, where he raped her and threatened her to stay silent. The following day, Devil dropped her near her home. Police noted that the traumatized girl consumed poison and was subsequently hospitalized.
On May 6, while the girl was near her house with the first minor, he flagged down two boys on an Activa scooter. She identified one as Mihir Kugasiya. Kugasiya allegedly claimed to be a police officer, took her to a hotel behind the bus station, and raped her in a room, threatening her to remain silent and to comply whenever he called. The complaint states that the next day, Kugasiya messaged her again and picked her up at 5 p.m. He allegedly took her to another hotel on the third floor near the bus station and raped her once more.
On May 16, Razak Theba, a neighbor, allegedly messaged her on Instagram and asked her to meet near a municipal school at 6 p.m. Police said he took her on an Activa to a hotel, where he raped her. The girl further reported that on May 17, Razak messaged her at 11 p.m., suggesting a drive. She met him near School No. 63, where he arrived in a white Swift car. He allegedly made her sit in the car, picked up Asif Shahmadar and Dhaval, and the three took turns raping her over approximately one hour.
Father's Discovery Leads to Complaint
Bhaktinagar police inspector J D Parmar said, “When her father discovered the phone, he asked her about it, and she revealed that her cousin had given it to her. On further questioning by her father, she described the incidents of the past three months, leading to the registering of an offence.”
Repeat Offender: Mihir Kugasiya
Mihir Kugasiya has a prior record of seven complaints at various police stations for extorting money by impersonating a police officer. He has also been charged twice under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA). Despite being released from jail, police claim he continues to pose as a police officer. In March, a second PASA order was issued against him by the police commissioner.
