Bareilly: A girl who was abducted when she was 11 years old has been rescued by the Sambhal police after six years, during which she was allegedly raped, impregnated, and forced to give birth. The survivor, now 17, was found with a four-year-old child believed to be hers.
Background of the Case
Her father had filed a missing person's report in 2020 after she vanished from her aunt's residence. A case was subsequently registered at the Rajpura police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Although the police launched a sustained search operation utilizing CCTV footage, posters, surveillance teams, and informer networks, she remained untraceable for over six years.
The Breakthrough
The breakthrough came on June 1, 2026, when a police team received a tip that a woman and a young child had been spotted under suspicious circumstances. When officers questioned her, she identified herself as the missing girl. She was then sent to a One Stop Centre for medical assistance and counselling.
Arrest of Suspects
Following the rescue of the minor, the police intensified their hunt for the accused. On June 6, two suspects—the aunt (35) and her brother (26)—were arrested near Keshoppur village, according to Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) K K Bishnoi.
It is suspected that the aunt handed the girl over to the uncle, who allegedly raped and impregnated her. The accused are being questioned, and we will be able to uncover the full extent of the ordeal faced by the minor girl, Bishnoi said, adding that further legal action is underway.
Legal Proceedings and Support
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the IPC and the POCSO Act. The survivor is receiving medical and psychological support at the One Stop Centre. Authorities are ensuring that all necessary legal measures are taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.
This case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in solving long-standing missing persons cases and the importance of community tips in such breakthroughs. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the questioning of the accused continues.
