Pilibhit: 19-Year-Old Youth Booked for Allegedly Raping 13-Year-Old Girl After She Gives Birth
In a disturbing case from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, a 19-year-old youth has been formally charged for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl with whom he was in a relationship. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered nearly two months after the minor survivor gave birth to a baby girl inside a hospital toilet on February 22.
Delayed FIR Despite CWC Directives
The FIR was finally filed on Monday, following a significant delay of several weeks. This occurred despite clear and direct orders from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). The CWC bench, led by Chairperson Purnima Singh, had on March 30 explicitly directed the Pilibhit Kotwali Station House Officer (SHO) to lodge a case. However, no concrete action was taken until Superintendent of Police Sukirti Madhav intervened. The intervention came after inquiries were made by The Times of India, highlighting systemic lapses in the initial response.
Survivor's Statement and Incident Details
In her official statement, the survivor revealed that she had been in a relationship with the accused for over a year. The tragic incident came to light when her parents took her to the hospital, complaining of severe abdominal pain. It was there, unexpectedly, that she delivered the child. CWC Member Magistrate Parvez Hanif provided these crucial details, underscoring the circumstances that led to the discovery.
The newborn remained under intensive medical observation for 18 days to ensure her health and stability. Subsequently, the child, along with her parents, was presented before the CWC by officials from the child helpline for further legal and protective proceedings.
Child Surrendered to CWC for Adoption
As both the minor mother and the accused—who are residents of the same village under the jurisdiction of the Pilibhit Kotwali police station—declined to take responsibility for the newborn, the baby was formally surrendered to the CWC. She is currently housed at a specialised adoption agency in Pilibhit, operating under the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). The infant is now awaiting adoption, a process managed by authorities to secure her future.
CWC Confirms Minor Status and Heinous Nature of Crime
In its detailed order, the CWC verified the girl's date of birth as January 1, 2013, through confirmation from her school principal. This official documentation firmly establishes her as a minor. The committee categorically termed the case a heinous offence, involving both sexual and mental exploitation of a vulnerable child.
Legal Charges and Current Status
SHO Satyendra Kumar confirmed that the accused has been booked under BNS section 65(1), which pertains to the rape of a minor, along with sections 3 and 4 of the Pocso Act. These charges reflect the severe legal implications of the alleged crimes. As of now, the accused has not been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing to ensure justice is served.
This case highlights critical issues in child protection and legal enforcement, emphasizing the need for prompt action in safeguarding minors from exploitation and abuse.
