Gujarat: Two minors held for raping teen in orphanage
Two minors have been sent to an observation home for allegedly raping a teen in an orphanage in Gujarat's Kutch district, IE reports. The victim, a 16-year-old girl, was raped in a toilet block in August, but the case got attention only now. The victim and the accused stayed at the same facility. Though the buildings are separate for boys and girls, they share a common room.
Boys gagged and assaulted victim, she informed matron
According to the investigating officer, on the day of the incident, the boys saw the victim entering the toilet block, gagged and assaulted her. The victim told the matron about the incident, who subsequently informed her relatives. Notably, the relatives refused to file a police complaint. A complaint was filed only after the victim was counseled, and the boys were arrested.
Officer says medical tests will be conducted
"The accused juveniles were also subjected to medical tests and their required samples have been collected. Reports of laboratory tests of the samples are awaited," a police officer said. When asked if the matron is a suspect, the officer said not at this stage.
Orphanage houses kids displaced after 2001 Gujarat earthquake
The orphanage, which is recognized by the state government, houses 162 kids according to its website. The children are those who were displaced after the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Kutch District Collector Remya Mohan said an inquiry has been initiated against the orphanage. "It is being investigated by police with respect to rape and by CWC with respect to the Juvenile Justice Act," Mohan said.
