A shocking case of online grooming leading to sexual assault has emerged from Uttar Pradesh, where a 15-year-old girl from Kanpur was allegedly raped in a hotel in Jhansi by a man she first connected with on the social media platform Instagram.
How the Instagram Friendship Turned into a Nightmare
The accused, identified as Suresh Singh, aged 35, allegedly befriended the minor girl on Instagram. After building a rapport online, he invited her to meet in person at a hotel in Jhansi on December 28. It was at this hotel that he allegedly sexually assaulted the teenager.
While the survivor hails from Kanpur, the accused, Suresh Singh, is originally from Fatehpur district but currently resides in the Jawahar Nagar area of Kanpur. The incident highlights the grave dangers of online predators targeting minors on popular social media apps.
Bravery Leads to Arrest: The Legal Process Unfolds
Traumatized by the incident, the young girl remained silent for an entire day. However, gathering immense courage, she confided in her family members about the horrific assault. Following this disclosure, her family promptly approached the police and filed a formal complaint on December 29.
The police acted swiftly on the complaint. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Babupurwa, Dileep Kumar Singh, confirmed that the police recorded the survivor's detailed statement and began collecting crucial evidence to build a solid case.
Swift Police Action and Charges Filed
Based on the evidence and the complaint, the police located and arrested Suresh Singh from his home in Kanpur on Wednesday. He has been formally charged under relevant sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
This case serves as a stark reminder for parents and guardians about the importance of monitoring their children's online activities and educating them about digital safety and the risks of interacting with strangers on social media platforms. It also underscores the critical role of supportive families and an efficient police response in securing justice for survivors of such heinous crimes.
