Pilibhit Gangrape Case: Four Teenagers Arrested, Minor Accused of Filming Assault
In a shocking incident from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, four teenagers, including a minor, have been arrested for the alleged brutal gangrape of a 14-year-old girl. The crime, which occurred on January 21, involved the accused forcibly taking the victim to a secluded location and sexually assaulting her, with the 16-year-old minor filming the entire act on his mobile phone. Police have confirmed that all the accused are students, highlighting the grim reality of youth involvement in such heinous acts.
Details of the Crime and Arrests
The incident unfolded when one of the accused called the Class VIII student around 11 PM, claiming there was something urgent. When she went out, she was met by another boy, and soon joined by others who repeatedly violated her. The traumatised girl returned home in a distressed state, prompting her mother to file a complaint the next day. According to villagers, local police initially attempted to settle the matter by asking both sides to compromise, but relented when the family threatened to escalate the case to senior officials.
An FIR was registered at the local police station, leading to the arrest of four accused, while one remains at large. SHO Sanjiv Kumar Shukla confirmed the arrests and stated that the survivor was sent for medical tests on Saturday, with the report still awaited. The accused will be prosecuted under stringent laws, including BNS section 70 (2) for gangrape, along with sections 5-G and 6 of the Pocso Act, which deal with penetrative sexual assault by a gang on a child and aggravated penetrative sexual assault, respectively.
Community and Legal Implications
Both the accused and the survivor hail from the same village, adding a layer of complexity to the case and raising concerns about community dynamics and safety. The mother's complaint vividly describes the horror: "One of them called my daughter around 11pm, telling her that there was something urgent. So she went out, only to find another boy with him. They were joined by others who repeatedly violated her. A 16-year-old captured the act on his mobile. When my child returned home, I was shocked to see her in that condition..."
This case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of child protection laws and better police responsiveness in handling such sensitive matters. The involvement of minors as both perpetrators and victims highlights the critical role of education and awareness in preventing such crimes. As the legal proceedings move forward, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young girls in rural and urban settings alike.
