13 people have been arrested for allegedly gang -raping a 15 -year -old Dalit girl in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh for two years. Police gave this information.
The incident came to light on June 9 when the victim lodged a complaint. The victim has become pregnant due to the rape incident.
A case has been registered under several sections including the Protection of Children (Poxo) Act, Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Indian Justice Code.
According to the police, Achampalli Vardhan (21), Talari Murali (25), Badagorla Nandavardhan Raj (23), Archeru Nagaraju (51), Boya Sanjeev (40) and Budida Rajanna (49) were arrested on June 9 in this case.
After this, seven other accused were arrested on June 10, while the main accused is still absconding.
Sri Sathya Sai District Superintendent of Police (SP) V Ratna recently said at a press conference, “The accused have been identified in connection with this heinous crime, they were detected and arrested by the special team of Dharmavaram subdivision.”
Initial investigation has revealed that the victim was allegedly blackmailed by the criminals to some of her “objectionable pictures and videos” Kajarie.
The victim is eight months pregnant and is currently being treated at a government hospital in Anantapur district. Doctors and district officials have decided not to have an abortion in view of the pregnancy of the victim.
Police are coordinating with the Child Welfare Committee to take the girl to a safe place after delivery. Permission for DNA testing of unborn baby has been sought as it will be important for legal proceedings.
Police said that there is a criminal record of some arrested. A police officer told ‘PTI-Bhasha’, “Despite being an eight-month pregnant, no local person informed the officials. We believe that due to caste stigma and fear, the community did not say anything because of folk shame. ”
Police said that some villagers pressurized the victim to marry one of the accused to end the case. Police said that investigation is being done in the case.
The victim said that she is a government school student. The police is also investigating the possible omission of school, health or child protection officers in the case. A special team has been formed to catch the absconding accused.
The victim’s mother works as a laborer and her father has passed away. Police believe that due to their situation, the community put pressure to keep quiet. The accused have been sent to judicial custody, while the minor has been handed over to the Juvenile Justice Board.
Meanwhile, the district administration assured the girl’s safety, saying that psychological assistance would be provided to meet her medical needs and legal procedures and overcome the shock. Police said that some villagers pressurized the victim to marry one of the accused to end the case. Police said that investigation is being done in the case.
The victim said that she is a government school student. The police is also investigating the possible omission of school, health or child protection officers in the case. A special team has been formed to catch the absconding accused.
The victim’s mother works as a laborer and her father has passed away. Police believe that due to their situation, the community put pressure to keep quiet. The accused have been sent to judicial custody, while the minor has been handed over to the Juvenile Justice Board.
Meanwhile, the district administration assured the girl’s safety, saying that psychological assistance will be provided to meet her medical needs and legal procedures and overcome the shock.
