Police in Uttar Pradesh have made a significant arrest in a harrowing case of abduction and sexual assault that lasted for nearly two years. A 22-year-old man stands accused of kidnapping a minor girl and subjecting her to repeated rape.
Family Acquaintance Turns Predator
The accused, identified as Sonu, a resident of Loni, was not a stranger to the victim's family. According to the police, he was familiar with the household, which likely facilitated the initial abduction. The horrific ordeal began when the girl was just 14 years old. The complaint states that Sonu kidnapped her from her home and held her captive, sexually assaulting her repeatedly over the ensuing months.
A Long-Delayed Complaint and Swift Police Action
The case came to light when the victim's family finally approached the authorities. A formal complaint was lodged at the Masuri police station in Ghaziabad under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Acting on the complaint, police teams launched an investigation to track down the accused.
Their efforts led them to Hapur district, where Sonu was reportedly hiding. In a coordinated operation, the police team successfully apprehended him. He was then brought back to Ghaziabad and placed under arrest. The authorities have confirmed that the victim, now 16, has been rescued and is receiving necessary support.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
The accused has been charged under multiple sections of law for his alleged crimes. IPC sections 363 (kidnapping) and 376 (rape) have been invoked alongside the POCSO Act, which mandates severe punishment for sexual offenses against children. The Ghaziabad police have stated that the investigation is ongoing to uncover all details of the two-year-long captivity and assault.
This case has once again highlighted the vulnerability of minors and the grave threat posed by perpetrators known to the family. It also underscores the critical role of the POCSO Act in dealing with such heinous crimes. The swift arrest has brought a measure of relief to the victim's family, while the legal process to ensure justice begins.
