Rajkot Newborn Abandonment Case Unfolds: 15-Year-Old Rape Victim Identified, POCSO Act Invoked
In a distressing incident in Rajkot, the abandonment of a newborn has escalated into a serious case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, after police investigations revealed the infant's mother is a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly raped. The case highlights critical issues of child protection and sexual violence in India.
Discovery of Abandoned Newborn and Immediate Response
On January 27, the newborn was found abandoned near Madhapar Crossroads in Rajkot, sparking immediate concern among locals and authorities. According to police reports, residents alerted the authorities after discovering the infant in a railway yard opposite Santoshi Nagar on Jamnagar Road. Gandhigram police, along with an ambulance, swiftly rushed the baby to a hospital for urgent medical attention.
The newborn, who was underweight and facing significant health complications, required oxygen support upon arrival. Medical professionals have since stabilized the infant, who remains under continuous medical care at Civil Hospital, with doctors monitoring the baby's condition closely to ensure recovery.
Police Investigation Leads to Shocking Revelation
During the investigation, police reviewed CCTV footage from the area and conducted extensive inquiries, which ultimately led them to the infant's mother—a 15-year-old girl from Madhya Pradesh. The girl had been working in Devbhumi Dwarka district with her brother before the incident unfolded.
Police statements indicate that the girl disclosed during questioning that approximately 10 months ago, Anil Bhuriya, a resident of Garbada in Dahod district, had raped her, resulting in the pregnancy. Following this traumatic event, the siblings relocated to Rajkot for work, where the girl gave birth to the baby. Fearing social stigma and repercussions, the family allegedly abandoned the newborn and returned to Madhya Pradesh, leaving the infant in a vulnerable state.
Legal Actions and Case Transfer
Police Sub-Inspector P B Varotariya confirmed that the girl's family has been called back from Madhya Pradesh for further investigation. Anil Bhuriya has been formally booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act, given the severity of the allegations involving a minor.
Since the alleged rape occurred in Devbhumi Dwarka district, the complaint has been transferred to that jurisdiction for appropriate legal proceedings. Additionally, a separate complaint was lodged at Gandhigram police station regarding the unsafe abandonment of the child, emphasizing the negligence and endangerment involved.
Ongoing Medical Care and Broader Implications
The newborn continues to receive medical care at Civil Hospital, with health officials ensuring the baby's stability and well-being. This case underscores the urgent need for robust child protection mechanisms and support systems for victims of sexual violence, particularly minors.
Authorities are emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting in such cases, as the initial alert from locals played a crucial role in the infant's rescue. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and the critical role of law enforcement in upholding justice under acts like POCSO.
