Police File Child Marriage Act Case in Beed Rape Survivor Incident
In a significant development in the March 10 Beed rape case, authorities in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have taken decisive legal action by registering an offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006. The case targets multiple individuals connected to the 17-year-old survivor, including her husband, both sets of parents, and parents-in-law.
Official Statements and Legal Framework
Madhusudan Ghuge, the in-charge of Pimplaner police station, confirmed that acting on directives from the District Women and Child Development Committee, the local gram sevak has formally filed an FIR against all accused parties. "The survivor was married approximately one year ago while still being a minor," Ghuge stated. "Our investigation will involve thorough inquiries with all accused individuals, and subsequent legal measures will be implemented as mandated by law."
This action follows earlier statements from Rupali Chakankar, NCP leader and president of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, who emphasized that instructions were issued to register offences not only against direct participants in the child marriage but also against those who arranged the ceremony and attended the wedding.
Previous Arrests and Ongoing Investigation Challenges
Earlier, on March 13, Pimpalner police arrested the survivor's former boyfriend, aged 29, based on her police statement alleging rape and being tied to a pole. Legal provisions invoked in this aspect of the case include section 4 (penetrative sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with sections 137(2) (Kidnapping), 333 (trespassing), and 64(2)(i) (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
However, investigators face substantial hurdles in gathering technical evidence related to the alleged abduction and rape of the minor married girl. Assistant Police Inspector Atulkumar Landge highlighted that the entire village lacks any CCTV cameras, complicating forensic efforts. "The location where the alleged rape occurred is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the survivor's residence," Landge explained. "While we have recorded statements from some locals who witnessed the girl tied with rope, no evidence or witnesses are available to establish the preceding chain of events."
Additional Investigative Obstacles
Further complicating the probe, police revealed that neither the survivor girl nor any family members from her maternal side use mobile phones, limiting digital evidence. "We have requested the call records of the suspect and the parents-in-law as part of our investigative procedures," Landge noted. "Additionally, medical reports for both the suspect and the survivor are still pending, which are crucial for corroborating evidence and advancing the case."
This case underscores ongoing challenges in addressing child marriage and sexual offences in rural areas, with authorities emphasizing a commitment to thorough investigation despite evidentiary limitations.
