16-year-old held captive for week, gang-raped by six including minors
In a disturbing news, six men, including three minors, held a girl captive for seven days and raped her repeatedly. The shocking series of events was reported from Andhra Pradesh's Ongole town and it is enough to hang humanity's head in shame. While all accused have been arrested after police launched a manhunt, this incident raises concerns on women's safety all over again.
Accused befriended the victim, raped her in his room
The girl's ordeal started on June 17 at RTC bus station in Ongole. Apparently, she was waiting for a friend when one of the accused approached her. He claimed he knew her friend and then took her to his room. There the accused raped her. For the next couple of days, five friends of the main accused took turns to rape the victim.
Officials saw girl at bus stand, got her admitted
While PTI said the victim managed to escape on Saturday, a TOI story claimed the main accused dropped her at the bus stand. He threatened her with dire consequences if she spoke up. An on-duty home-guard and an assistant sub-inspector saw the survivor in a distraught situation and rescued her. She was admitted to a government hospital and her condition is said to be stable.
Subsequently, accused were arrested from different areas
On the basis of the girl's complaint, police launched an investigation. A case was registered under relevant sections of IPC and POCSO Act. The accused were arrested from different parts of the state. One of them was trying to board a train from Bitragunta in SPS Nellore district when he was nabbed. Meanwhile, Home Minister M Sucharita promised strong action against the perpetrators.
DGP directed police to conduct a thorough investigation
Slamming the incident in strong words, Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Gautam Sawang, said the security of women and children should be given top priority. He added perpetrators of such heinous crimes will be brought to justice. Sawang directed Prakasam district Superintendent of Police to investigate the case thoroughly to ensure there are no lapses. Ongole lawmaker Balineni Srinivasa Reddy also condemned the incident.
