College students in custody for suspected rape of a minor girl in Kolkata: Law enforcement officials
In a shocking incident, three college students were nabbed by the police for an alleged gang rape of a minor schoolgirl in Kolkata, which reportedly took place on December 19, 2024.
The disturbing event came to light when the victim's mother lodged a complaint with the Rabindra Sarobar police station on Monday. Given the minor status of the victim, the accused have been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
"We apprehended three individuals. Their ages range between 18 to 20 years. The fourth suspect is at large. They were presented before the court. The court remanded them into police custody until May 8," disclosed a Kolkata Police officer.
The victim's acquaintance through a social media group led her to the accused, who ultimately convinced her to join them at a hotel instead of a group lunch. While her father was in the UK for work, the accused convinced the minor girl to transfer ₹2500 via UPI, which she obliged, unaware of the sinister intentions of her assailants.
In the complaint, the girl's mother stated that the accused forced alcohol on the girl, took turns to commit the heinous crime, and subsequently left her stranded.
The girl, shaken and traumatized, somehow managed to reach home and shared her ordeal with her mother. However, owing to the social stigma and concerns about potential backlash, the mother hesitated to file a police report for a few months.
This despicable act echoes the broader national pattern of sexual violence, as insidious acts like these continue to cast a shadow on the lives of countless victims. For instance, as per the data from 2021, there were 31,677 reported rape cases in India, with approximately 10% of the victims being under 18 years old. While Kolkata has relatively low reported rates compared to cities like Delhi, underreporting remains a pervasive issue in the country.
Moreover, in an alarming number of cases, perpetrators tend to be acquaintances, neighbors, or romantic partners, as seen in this Kolkata case where the accused were initially unknown to the victim. The protracted legal process can often add to the trauma and despair of the victims, although expedited trials in POCSO cases aim to alleviate this problem.
As the police continue their investigation and the legal process unfolds, remember to treat the victim with empathy, openness, and support, rather than stigma or blame. Let justice prevail, and let this case serve as a stark reminder to safeguard our youth and combat the growing tide of sexual violence in our society.
Also Read: Jind: 13-yr-old among 4 arrested for gang-rape, murder
News | Cities | Kolkata
- The students, arrested in a horrific gang rape case in Kolkata, were booked under the POCSO Act due to the minor status of the victim.
- In Jind, a 13-year-old was among four individuals apprehended for alleged gang rape and murder, highlighting the widespread issue of such offences across India.
- General news reports show that in 2021, India recorded 31,677 reported rape cases, with approximately 10% of the victims being under 18 years old.
- Further investigation into the Kolkata case indicated that the victim's acquaintance through a social media group led to her unfortunate encounter with the alleged offenders.
- In light of the escalating crime-and-justice issues and the ongoing war-and-conflicts in politics, it is crucial for citizens and officials alike to prioritize maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive environment for the nation's students.
