Saturday
21st Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
A 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 19-year-old man in Vadodara city, who deceived her with false promises of marriage. The suspect was arrested yesterday following a complaint filed by the victim's mother.
According to the police report, the girl, a Class 12 student, met the accused through Instagram just days before the incident. The accused lured her to a friend’s house, falsely claiming that he wanted to marry her, and subsequently raped her on two separate occasions.
The matter came to light when the accused's brother witnessed the man harassing the girl during a local 'Garba' event, a cultural celebration among Hindus. Concerned about the situation, the family confronted the girl, who then disclosed the sexual assault and rape incidents.
A senior police officer from Vadodara's F Division stated that an investigation has been initiated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding minors from such heinous crimes.
Rape and sexual assault cases have been on the rise in India, with data from the National Crime Records Bureau revealing that 28,046 rape cases were reported in 2020 alone, a significant number of which involved minors. The alarming trend underscores the urgent need for societal change and stronger legal protections for vulnerable populations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by young individuals in the digital age, highlighting the importance of awareness and education regarding online safety and the potential dangers of meeting strangers.