Panchkula, August 25: Panchkula police have arrested a 20-year-old neighbour and apprehended two minors, including the victim’s maternal uncle, after a 14-year-old girl gave birth to a child following repeated sexual abuse. Two other juveniles allegedly involved remain on the run.
The case surfaced on July 29, when authorities at the civil hospital informed police that a minor had delivered a baby. Investigators later learned that the girl, the daughter of migrant labourers from Uttar Pradesh who live in a Pinjore slum, had been assaulted by five persons known to her over several months.
According to police, the prime accused, a 20-year-old neighbour, exploited the teenager when her parents were away at work. He was arrested on August 22 and remanded to judicial custody. The girl’s maternal uncle and another minor were also taken into custody and sent to a juvenile home.
Officials noted that despite the girl’s nine-month pregnancy, her family did not approach police. A case has since been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The victim was discharged from hospital on August 6 and is currently undergoing counselling. Police said DNA testing is being conducted to determine the paternity of the child. “Efforts are underway to trace the two absconding juveniles,” investigators noted.
ASI Sunita arrested the main accused, while sub-inspector Sukhbir apprehended the two minors, officials added.
