Cleric Arrested in Hapur for Alleged Rape and Impregnation of Teen Neighbour
In a shocking incident in Hapur, a 65-year-old cleric has been arrested for allegedly raping his 14-year-old neighbour over several months and impregnating her, as confirmed by police on Friday. The accused, a local religious figure, is accused of exploiting the girl when she was alone at home, using threats to silence her.
Details of the Alleged Abuse and Threats
According to police reports, the cleric repeatedly raped the minor girl and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the abuse to anyone. The survivor, overwhelmed by fear and shame, only confided in her family after discovering she was pregnant. Her father, a labourer, confronted the accused, who allegedly responded with further intimidation, threatening to kill him if he approached the authorities.
Social pressure and fear of repercussions initially prevented the family from reporting the crime, highlighting the challenges faced by victims in such situations. The case came to light when the girl developed severe abdominal pain on February 14 and was taken to a private hospital, where doctors revealed she was seven months pregnant.
Legal Action and Arrest
Later that night, the girl delivered a baby girl at home. On February 17, her father filed a formal complaint, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under BNS Sections 65(1) for rape and 351(3) for criminal intimidation, along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. The accused was arrested the following day and remanded to judicial custody on Friday.
Police have recorded statements from the survivor and her family, and are actively collecting further legal and scientific evidence. The Station House Officer (SHO) of the concerned police station stated that the investigation is ongoing, with the accused remaining in jail as proceedings continue.
This case underscores the urgent need for community awareness and robust legal mechanisms to protect minors from sexual exploitation, especially in environments where social stigma may hinder reporting.
