Surat Gang Rape: 13-Year-Old Girl Assaulted by Four, Including Minor, After Wedding
A horrifying incident of gang rape has shaken the Umarpada police station area of Surat district, where a 13-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted by four persons, including a minor, in the early hours of Sunday. The police have swiftly arrested all four accused and initiated a thorough investigation into this deeply disturbing case.
Details of the Incident
The traumatic event unfolded approximately 15 kilometers from the Umarpada police station, as the young victim was returning home after attending a wedding ceremony in her village. According to police sources, the girl had accompanied her family members to the wedding on Saturday night. During the festivities, which included a DJ party, she briefly went out on a motorcycle with a 17-year-old friend.
After some time, her friend dropped her near the village and departed. As she walked home alone around 2 AM on Sunday, she was intercepted by the four accused. Two of the men were from her own village, while the other two hailed from a neighboring village. One of the accused reportedly objected to her friendship with the minor and threatened to inform her parents, sparking a heated argument.
Chase and Assault
Sensing imminent danger, the terrified victim attempted to flee and hid in a farm nearly a kilometer away from her residence. The accused pursued her relentlessly, using mobile phone torches to search the fields. When they initially failed to locate her, they switched off their lights and waited in silence.
Believing that the men had left, the girl emerged from her hiding spot, at which point the accused caught her. They then took turns raping her before fleeing the scene. The traumatized girl managed to reach her home at 4 AM, where she narrated the entire ordeal to her mother.
Police Response and Investigation
Surat (rural) Superintendent of Police Rajesh Gadhiya personally visited the spot after the complaint was filed. Deputy Superintendent of Police B K Vanar stated that a formal complaint was lodged immediately after the police were informed on Sunday morning.
Vanar confirmed, "All four accused, three of whom are aged between 20 and 24 and one who was a minor, have been detained. The accused and the girl have been sent for medical tests and collection of forensic evidence."
The police are conducting a detailed investigation into the case, which has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. This legal framework ensures stringent action against perpetrators of such heinous crimes against minors.
The incident has highlighted critical concerns about women's safety in rural areas, particularly during nighttime hours. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting of such crimes to ensure justice for victims and deter future offenses.
