A 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by three people and forced to undergo an abortion in Faridabad, Haryana. Three people have been arrested in connection with the case. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the case and directed the police to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation is conducted. NCW has also asked the police to submit a detailed action report to it within three days time.
Three accused, identified as Jaswant (37), his friend Sultan, and Sikander (55), the victim's neighbour have been arrested in the case, police told news agency PTI.
The police had received a complaint from Pradeep Kumar from the child helpline of the Di strict Child Protection Unit in Faridabad, saying that a 16-year-old girl had undergone abortion after she was raped.
In his complaint, Kumar said that two NGOs — Shakti Vahini and Nosrishti Sanstha — had called him up on Tuesday informing him about the incident. He then met the victim who told him about her ordeal.
The minor begged on the roadside to feed her alcoholic father and her younger brother. She was looking for her younger brother one day, when Jaswant, who works as an auto-rickshaw driver, asked her to sit in his vehicle, promising her to help find her missing brother. He knew the victim and often gave her food.
"The victim revealed that Jaswant took her to his room where he and Sultan raped her multiple times. They threatened to kill her if she anyone about it," Kumar told the police.
Sikander, the rape survivor's neighbour, had also raped her on several occasions after offering her food and tea.
On January 6, a woman visited the girl's house and told her that Jaswant had called her. She also offered food to the suvivor, who fell unconscious after eating it. When she gained consciousness after a few hours, Jaswant gave her a shawl, a jacket, and a papaya, Kumar stated in his complaint.
Kumar told the police that Jaswant and the woman had called the teen home and forced her to undergo an abortion. When her condition deteriorated, the matter reached the Child Helpline through an NGO.
On the basis of Kuamr's complaint, police registered an FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following this, the three accused were arrested and further investigation is underway, PTI reported.
NCW Directs Police To Submit Report Within 3 Days
Upon learning about the incident, the NCW, on the directions of Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, took suo motu cognisance of the "deeply concerning" case. It has asked the police to also provide compensation, medical aid, and psychological assistance to the victim.
"NCW on the directions of Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, has taken suo moto cognizance of a deeply concerning media report about the repeated sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in Faridabad, Haryana, and her forced abortion. The Commission has directed the police to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation and provide the victim with immediate assistance, including medical aid, psychological counseling, and compensation," a statement by the NCW read.
"A detailed action taken report is to be submitted to the Commission within three days," it added.