Rajkot: 14-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Raped by Relative Over Several Months, Accused Arrested
In a shocking incident from Rajkot, Gujarat, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped over several months by a relative who was residing in her family's house. Police officials confirmed the arrest of the accused on Thursday, following a complaint lodged by the victim's father at the B Division police station.
Abuse Comes to Light After Minor Complains of Stomach Pain
The horrific abuse came to light when the minor girl complained of persistent stomach pain, prompting her father to question her about her condition. Upon inquiry, the girl revealed that her father's 37-year-old cousin had been sexually assaulting her for the past five months. The accused allegedly took advantage of moments when other family members were not present in the house.
According to the police complaint, the accused not only committed the heinous acts but also provided the girl with contraceptive pills in an attempt to prevent pregnancy and conceal the ongoing abuse. This detail emerged as a critical part of the investigation, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crimes.
Father's WhatsApp Message Leads to Police Action
Police Inspector Sudhir Rana informed that after learning about the contraceptive pills, the girl's father sent a WhatsApp message to his cousin, questioning him about the pills. This digital communication became a key piece of evidence in the case.
Law enforcement authorities have seized the accused's mobile phone and are working to retrieve the WhatsApp chats as part of their thorough investigation. Preliminary inquiries have revealed that the accused's wife had left with their four children approximately eight months ago, leaving him alone in the household.
Family Background and Evidence Collection
The victim's family, originally from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, has been residing in Rajkot for some time. Both the accused and the girl's father work as labourers, adding a layer of economic vulnerability to the tragic situation.
Police have taken swift action by collecting substantial evidence from the crime scene. This includes seizing the accused's clothes and other relevant materials that could help establish the sequence of events and support the prosecution's case.
Legal Framework and Charges Filed
Authorities have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. These stringent laws are designed to provide comprehensive protection to minors and ensure severe penalties for perpetrators of sexual crimes against children.
The investigation continues as police work to build a strong case against the accused, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting in preventing such atrocities. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children, even within family environments, and underscores the critical role of law enforcement in delivering justice.
