Surat Police Book 21-Year-Old Man for Alleged Rape of Minor Girl
In a disturbing incident in Surat, the Althan police have registered a case against a 21-year-old man, identified as Muskan Pathan, for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl. The crime occurred on Saturday night in the Sachin area, where the accused is said to have abducted the victim and taken her to a room.
Details of the Alleged Crime
According to police reports, Pathan allegedly raped the minor girl repeatedly and threatened her to keep silent about the assault. The victim, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, has led authorities to invoke the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in this case. Additionally, charges have been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Investigation and Arrests
The investigation has been transferred to the Surat police SC-ST cell for further scrutiny. Pathan has been arrested in connection with the crime. Police revealed that the accused owns a food cart, and the victim was a regular customer, indicating they had known each other for approximately three years.
Co-Accused and Room Arrangement
Authorities discovered that the room where the alleged rape took place was arranged by Pathan's brother-in-law, Halim Khan. As a result, Khan has also been booked as a co-accused in the case. This development adds another layer to the investigation, as police probe the involvement of others in facilitating the crime.
Community Impact and Legal Proceedings
The invocation of the SC-ST Act highlights the sensitivity of the case, given the victim's background. Legal experts note that this could lead to stricter penalties if the accused is convicted. The case underscores ongoing concerns about child safety and caste-based violence in the region, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and support for victims.
