In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage, the Vadodara police on Friday arrested two young men for the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl. The crime reportedly occurred in a busy neighbourhood of the Gujarat city on Thursday, after the accused lured the victim into a room.
Details of the Alleged Crime
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the victim's mother, the teenage girl, a native of Uttar Pradesh, was visiting relatives in Vadodara. The complaint states that the girl had stepped out of her relatives' home to go to a nearby shop when the accused called out to her and persuaded her to enter a room.
The girl was allegedly locked inside the room for over three hours. The situation came to light when neighbours heard her cries for help. When they attempted to open the door, they found it locked from inside. The accused reportedly fled the scene, leaving the traumatised girl behind.
Police Action and Legal Framework
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone 1, Jagdish Chavda, confirmed the arrests and the legal steps taken. The FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for rape, along with the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
"We have assured the family that a thorough and in-depth probe will be conducted to gather as much evidence as possible to file a watertight chargesheet," DCP Chavda stated. "The accused have been formally arrested."
The two arrested individuals are aged approximately 19 and 20 years. Police officials from the station where the FIR was lodged said that the victim's statements have been recorded, and a medical examination has been conducted. The accused are being questioned and were scheduled to be produced before a court on Saturday.
Community Outcry and Ongoing Investigation
The incident triggered significant distress within the local community. Late on Thursday, a large crowd from the victim's community gathered outside the hospital where she was admitted for treatment and care. The gathering demanded swift justice, prompting senior police officers to arrive at the hospital to oversee the investigation personally.
An inspector involved in the case revealed that the police are also interrogating the accused to determine if any other individuals were involved in planning or executing the crime. The statements of the victim's relatives have been taken as part of the evidence collection process.
The Vadodara police have emphasised their commitment to a rigorous investigation to ensure the perpetrators are punished under the full extent of the law, particularly highlighting the use of the POCSO Act, which mandates severe penalties for crimes against minors.
