A shocking case of sexual assault has emerged from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, where police have registered a case against a 28-year-old man and his 13-year-old nephew for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl. The traumatic incident occurred on December 24 when the survivor had gone to collect fodder for her cattle.
The Harrowing Incident in the Sugarcane Field
According to the police, the complaint was filed by the girl's mother. She stated that the main accused, who is a resident of the same village, intercepted her daughter on her way to the field. He then allegedly dragged the teenager deep into a sugarcane field and raped her. During this assault, his 13-year-old nephew reportedly stood guard, keeping watch.
After committing the crime, the duo allegedly threatened the young girl. They warned her that they would kill her family if she ever disclosed the incident to anyone. This threat instilled immense fear, leading to initial silence from the victim and her family.
Mother's Anguish and Delayed Complaint
The mother of the survivor explained the heart-wrenching reasons for not approaching the police immediately. She cited the desire to avoid social stigma and to protect her daughter's dignity in the village community. The family's vulnerability was compounded by the fact that the girl's father is physically challenged.
However, the situation escalated when the accused began defaming the survivor within the village. This malicious campaign to tarnish the victim's reputation forced the mother to take legal action and lodge a formal complaint with the police to seek justice.
Legal Action and Charges Filed
The Station House Officer (SHO) confirmed that a case has been registered. The accused have been charged under stringent sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include:
- Section 74: Using criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
- Section 351(3): Criminal intimidation.
Additionally, relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have been invoked, given the survivor is a minor. The involvement of a 13-year-old as an accused also brings the Juvenile Justice Act into the legal framework.
The SHO stated that a preliminary inquiry suggested the case to be one of molestation. The survivor is scheduled to be sent for a crucial medical examination to gather forensic evidence.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
This incident has sent shockwaves through the rural community in Pilibhit, highlighting the persistent threats faced by women and girls, even during mundane daily chores. It underscores the challenges families face in balancing the pursuit of justice against fears of social ostracization.
The police investigation is now active. Authorities are working to gather all evidence from the scene and statements from witnesses. The case puts a spotlight on the implementation of the new BNS laws in serious crimes against women and children in Uttar Pradesh.
