In a shocking incident from Karnataka, the Belagavi police have arrested two individuals for the alleged abduction and rape of a 13-year-old girl. The accused reportedly used threats to silence the victim's family, causing a delay in reporting the crime to the authorities.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The traumatic event is said to have occurred on November 23. The victim, a student of Class 7, was targeted while she was returning home from a flour mill located just about 300 metres from her residence. According to the police, the two accused men followed the girl and then forcibly dragged her away.
Bhimashankar Guled, the Superintendent of Police for Belagavi, stated that the preliminary investigation indicates one of the accused committed the rape while the other assisted in the crime. The accused also allegedly threatened the girl's family, warning them against informing the police. This intimidation tactic led to a significant delay in filing the official complaint.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Once the family bravely came forward, the Belagavi police swiftly registered a case. The charges have been framed under pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
"Both accused have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody," confirmed SP Bhimashankar Guled. He further assured that the girl's family would be provided with police protection if they felt it was necessary for their safety.
Another Recent Arrest in Belagavi
In a separate but similarly distressing case from the same district, the Belagavi police arrested a guest lecturer from a private college on Saturday. This arrest followed a complaint by a minor student who alleged that the lecturer had been sexually assaulting her for the past two years.
The student also accused him of issuing death threats to prevent her from revealing the abuse. Based on her complaint, the police took the lecturer into custody and placed him in judicial remand while the investigation continues.
These back-to-back incidents in Belagavi have highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety of minors and the enforcement of the POCSO Act. The police action in both cases demonstrates a commitment to pursuing justice for the victims, but they also underscore the need for continued vigilance and support systems for vulnerable children and their families.
