In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district, a 17-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly gang-raped by two men on Thursday evening. The incident took place in the Hazratnagar Garhi area when the girl was on her way to meet her relatives.
According to reports, when the girl reached Sambhal by bus, the accused individuals offered to help her reach her relatives’ remote location. Trusting their intentions, she accepted a lift on their bike. However, the accused, identified as Mohd Tassavar and Tahir, took her to a secluded area and subjected her to a brutal gang-rape, as per The Times of India.
After the assault, the perpetrators abandoned the traumatized girl near her uncle’s place. They also issued threats, warning her of dire consequences if she dared to disclose the incident. Despite the fear and trauma, the survivor mustered the courage to confide in her uncle, who promptly accompanied her to the police station to lodge a complaint.
Upon receiving the complaint, the police took immediate action and filed an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, as well as the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012. Both accused individuals were apprehended and subsequently sent to jail on Friday. The survivor’s statement was recorded, and she was referred for a medical examination to gather crucial evidence.
Commenting on the case, Additional SP Shirish Chandra stated, “We have registered an FIR under section 376-D (gang rape) of IPC along with POCSO and the SC/ST acts. The accused have been arrested and sent to jail on Friday. We’ve also recorded the survivor’s statement and sent her for a medical examination.” The authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure justice is served.
This distressing incident comes just days after another incident of sexual assault in Moradabad. On May 24, a 15-year-old schoolgirl was reportedly raped by a class 12 student while she was engaged in her running drill. The accused allegedly lured the minor girl to a secluded location and subjected her to rape. Prompt action was taken, and the accused was charged under relevant sections of the IPC and the POCSO Act. The boy was subsequently arrested on Friday.
These reprehensible incidents highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, stringent law enforcement, and improved support systems to protect vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, from heinous crimes. The authorities must continue their efforts to ensure a swift and fair investigation, and ultimately, deliver justice to the survivors. Society as a whole must actively work towards creating a safe environment where such abhorrent acts are not tolerated, and survivors are empowered to seek justice without fear.