MP: Minor raped in boarding school hostel in Bhopal; case registered against 3, including hostel warden
May 01, 2024
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 1 : An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped at a boarding school hostel in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal, a police official said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around five to six days ago but it came to light when the victim's mother reached to meet her on Monday. The boarding school is located in the Misrod locality in the state capital Bhopal.
Misrod police station in-charge Manish Raj Singh Bhadouria told ANI, "An FIR was registered into the matter on Tuesday evening against three persons, including hostel warden under IPC section 376 and relevant sections of POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) act. The incident happened around 5-6 days ago. A police team was formed and it started searching to nab the accused."
The police also seized the entry register of the hostel and as further evidence into the matter came to light, more sections would be added. Statements of people will be recorded and if anything else comes out, then action will be taken on that basis as well, Bhadouria added.
According to the FIR, a copy of which is with ANI, the victim's mother submitted a written complaint to the police in which she stated, "About 15 days ago, I got my daughter's admission to the boarding school. I talk to my daughter on the phone every Sunday. Last Sunday, April 28, I called the school in the afternoon to talk to my daughter, then the warden said that the girl was sleeping, and they would let her talk as soon as she woke up."
Later, she called again in the evening and the warden made her talk to her daughter for just two minutes and during that time the girl started crying on the phone. Then she made a video call and the girl started crying and requested her to come as she wanted to tell her something. But the warden disconnected the phone and switched it off, the victim's mother added
"On Monday, April 29, I reached school, took my daughter away from the school where I talked to her and asked her what happened. She told me about the entire incident. After that, I took her to the hospital and on the next day complained to the Misrod police station," She further wrote.
Besides, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday took cognizance of the matter and instructed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be formed and the probe should be conducted.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders launched an attack on the state government claiming the accused had connections with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and demanded immediate action into the matter.
"Crimes against women and girls are increasing continuously in the state. Madhya Pradesh is number one in NCRB statistics, a similar incident happened in Jobat recently. Bulldozer actions are carried out often in such incidents. But it did not happen in the incident in Jobat and Bhopal because the accused were connected to BJP leaders. A detailed investigation should be done in this case and the probe should be completed in seven days so that the victim gets justice soon," Congress leader Mukesh Nayak said.
Meanwhile, former CM Kamal Nath was also pained over the incident and demanded that the government focus on improving the deteriorating law and order situation.
He also demanded that the Bhopal incident be investigated with complete honesty and that the culprits be given the harshest punishment.