Rape survivor tied to accused with ropes, paraded in village
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), on Tuesday, asked the Madhya Pradesh Police to submit an inquiry report within 24 hours into the alleged rape of a minor who was paraded with the accused in public after tying them with ropes. "A 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 21-year-old man on Sunday in Madhya Pradesh's tribal-dominated Alirajpur district," police said.
Six persons arrested in connection with the case
"Following the incident, villagers paraded both the accused and the victim in public by tying them with ropes," police said. A total of six persons, including the man who is accused of rape, and five villagers, have been arrested.
Video of the incident shows villagers beating both of them
A video showing the girl and the accused tied with ropes, being beaten and forced to walk in public in the village under Jobat Police Station amidst slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" has gone viral on social media. In a letter to the DGP, Madhya Pradesh, the NCPCR asked him to initiate an inquiry and take lawful action in the matter.
Victim's identity should not be disclosed during investigation: NCPCR
"An inquiry report of the case may please be submitted to this Commission along with the following information within 24 hours of the date of receipt of this letter," the Commission said. "It must be ensured that the victim's identity is not disclosed during the process of investigation," it further said.
NCPCR inquired whether a separate case of atrocity was registered
The NCPCR further inquired whether a separate case of atrocity and torture against the minor is registered in this matter. Also, the Commission asked whether appropriate Sections of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 were part of the FIR. According to FirstPost, Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Dilip Singh Bilwal had said, "Two cases were registered on Sunday on the FIRs lodged by the victim."
Accused is married and has two children
"One of the cases was registered against the rape accused. Another FIR was registered against family members of the girl and villagers for parading her in the village and beating her," Bilwal said, as per the report.
Man booked under IPC and the POCSO Act
The man was booked under Sections of the Indian Penal Code and under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. "Victim's family members were booked under Sections 294 (Obscene act in public places), 355 (Assault or criminal force with intent to dishonor person), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 342 (wrongful confinement) and other sections of the IPC," the officer said.
