Stepfather Arrested After Police Encounter for Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor Stepdaughters
A 45-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting his two minor stepdaughters was arrested following a brief police encounter in Muzaffarnagar, authorities confirmed on Friday. The arrest came after a dramatic confrontation where the suspect allegedly opened fire at police officers.
Complaint and Medical Examination
The case unfolded when the man's wife lodged a formal complaint on Thursday, alleging that her husband had been sexually assaulting her daughters, aged 15 and 12. Following a thorough medical examination of the victims, authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR) under specific legal provisions.
The charges include BNS section 64(2)(f), which addresses rape committed by a relative or guardian of the woman, along with relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This legal framework is designed to provide stringent protection for minors against sexual crimes.
Previous Conviction and Recent Abuse
Police investigations revealed that the accused had a troubling history. He was previously jailed in 2023 for raping the elder stepdaughter and was released from custody just two months ago. Despite this prior conviction, the family's ordeal continued.
After his release, the wife and her two daughters had relocated to another village in an attempt to distance themselves from the accused. However, the man managed to contact them again. According to the complaint, he sexually abused the younger daughter when the wife was not at home, prompting the urgent police intervention.
Police Encounter and Arrest
In response to the complaint, police formed specialized teams to trace the accused. On Thursday, officers spotted him near a canal in the area. When authorities instructed him to stop, the suspect attempted to flee and allegedly opened fire at the police team.
"The police team retaliated in self-defence during the encounter," explained a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). "The man suffered a bullet injury on his leg and was immediately admitted to a hospital for medical treatment."
Following the encounter, police recovered a country-made pistol, one live cartridge, and a spent shell from the suspect's possession. These items were seized as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
The arrest has highlighted serious concerns about child safety and the effectiveness of legal protections for minors. The case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by children in familial settings and the challenges in preventing repeat offenses by individuals with prior convictions.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to gather additional evidence and ensure that justice is served for the victims. The incident has sparked discussions in the local community about the need for stronger preventive measures and support systems for families affected by such crimes.
The accused remains under police custody as legal proceedings move forward. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt action in protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
