Surat Auto Garage Owner Faces Charges for Harassing Teen Cousin and Issuing Threats
In a disturbing case from Surat, a 21-year-old man who operates an auto garage has been formally booked by the Chowk Bazaar police. The charges stem from allegations of sexually harassing a 16-year-old girl, who is identified as his second cousin. Additionally, the accused is accused of threatening the girl's family with severe consequences if they attempted to arrange her engagement to someone else.
Details of the Harassment and Threats
According to the official complaint, the incidents began when the victim was 15 years old. Her father discovered a mobile phone in her possession, which she revealed had been given to her by the accused. The accused is the son of the victim's father's cousin, making them distant relatives. The girl and the accused first met when he came to deliver an invitation card for his sister's wedding.
The victim reported to her father that the accused had taken her to various locations and subjected her to sexual harassment. Furthermore, he allegedly coerced her into signing an understanding that they would stay together, adding a layer of manipulation to the abuse.
Family Intervention and Escalating Threats
In January, the victim's father called the man to their home and explicitly forbade him from communicating with the victim. He urged the accused to consider her as a sister, emphasizing their familial relationship. However, the accused refused to comply and began threatening the victim's father.
A month prior to this confrontation, the accused sent a message to a member of the victim's family. In this message, he allegedly threatened to disrupt the victim's engagement. He also sent pictures of family members, claiming he knew their whereabouts and could take any action against them. This escalation of threats prompted the victim's father to seek police intervention.
Police Action and Legal Charges
The Chowk Bazaar police responded promptly by arresting the accused after booking him under relevant legal provisions. The charges include sections from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, specifically Sections 75(2) and 351(2), which pertain to sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. Additionally, the case falls under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, with Sections 8 and 12 invoked, highlighting the severity of the offenses involving a minor.
This case underscores the critical importance of protecting minors from exploitation and the legal mechanisms in place to address such crimes. The police's swift action in Surat serves as a reminder of the consequences for those who engage in harassment and intimidation within familial contexts.
