Uttar Pradesh Man Apprehended in Vizag After Evading Law for Over a Decade in Minor Rape Case
In a significant breakthrough, the Vizag II-town police have successfully arrested a man from Uttar Pradesh who had been absconding for more than ten years in a distressing case involving the rape of a minor girl. The accused, identified as Md Salman Khan (27), a native of Kotwali Nagar in Balrampur district, was taken into custody on Monday, marking the end of a prolonged manhunt.
Background of the Case and Accused's Profile
According to police reports, Khan was working as a migrant construction laborer and residing in the Allipuram locality of Vizag at the time of the incident. The case dates back to 2014, when he allegedly kidnapped and raped a minor girl from Vizag under the false pretense of love. Following the heinous act, a formal complaint was lodged against him at the II-town police station, leading to charges under pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Initially, Khan was arrested by the authorities in 2014, but he secured conditional bail and was released from custody. However, after his release, he chose to flee, blatantly disregarding the legal process by failing to appear for subsequent court hearings. This defiance prompted the special court handling POCSO cases to issue non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against him, intensifying the search efforts.
Police Investigation and Persistent Efforts
Treating this case as a high-priority challenge, the Vizag police demonstrated unwavering determination in their pursuit of justice. Over the years, they made multiple trips to Uttar Pradesh, specifically two to three visits, to gather intelligence and maintain close surveillance on the accused. Their diligent efforts finally paid off when they received credible and concrete information regarding Khan's whereabouts.
Acting swiftly on this tip-off, a police team immediately rushed to Uttar Pradesh, where they successfully apprehended Khan, bringing an end to his decade-long evasion of the law. This arrest underscores the relentless commitment of law enforcement agencies in tracking down fugitives and ensuring that perpetrators of such grave crimes are held accountable, regardless of the time elapsed.
The case highlights the critical importance of stringent bail conditions and robust follow-up mechanisms in sensitive matters involving minors, as well as the challenges faced in cross-state investigations. It serves as a reminder of the justice system's perseverance in addressing sexual offenses against children, reinforcing public trust in legal proceedings.
