Kamal Ghorui
RAJKOT: A disturbing case has surfaced in Porbandar where a 12-year-old boy allegedly repeatedly raped the four-and-a-half-year-old daughter of his neighbours.The crime came to light when the victim’s 35-year-old mother filed a complaint at Udhyog Nagar police station on Monday. According to police sources, the victim frequently visited the boy’s house to play. The complaint alleges that about a month ago, when the 12-year-old’s family was away from home, the boy allegedly took advantage of the situation to rape the girl. He allegedly raped her several times after that as well.The girl eventually told her family what had happened. They were initially hesitant to approach the authorities due to the fear of the attached stigma.Porbandar Rural DySP Surjeet Mahedu stated that on learning of the alleged offence, officials called the victim’s parents to the station. After a counselling session, the family mustered the courage to register a complaint. Police have registered a case under Sections 64(2)(I), 64(2)(M), 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and under Sections of 4, 6, 8 and 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.Udhyog Nagar police swiftly began an investigation, getting medical examinations carried out on the girl and the boy. Investigators completed a site inspection, recorded statements from the parents and neighbours and are gathering forensic evidence. The 12-year-old accused is to be presented before the Juvenile Justice Board on Wednesday.(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)
