Champawat: A Class 10 student was allegedly gang raped by three men, including a BJP mandal vice president and a former village head, in a village about 20 km from the district headquarters. The incident occurred when the minor had gone to attend a friend’s mehendi ceremony.
According to the complaint, the accused subjected the girl to brutal assault. When she tried to call her family, they allegedly snatched her phone, beat her, tied her hands and legs, and left her naked inside a locked room before fleeing the spot.
Police recovered the girl after being alerted by her family. She was found inside the locked room with her hands and legs tied. She was immediately taken for medical examination, and a case has been registered against all three accused under serious charges, including POCSO.
The victim, a resident of Kotwali area, supports her family by working at an ice cream shop while continuing her studies and taking care of her ailing father. Her father stated that she had gone to work as usual but later informed him over phone that she had been taken to a village for a mehendi function. Later at night, he received a brief call from her before the phone got switched off, raising suspicion.
Following this, family members informed the police through emergency services. A joint search operation led to the recovery of the victim from the locked room. Based on her statement, police registered an FIR against Vinod Singh Rawat, Naveen Singh, and Puran Singh Rawat under relevant sections of BNS and POCSO Act.
Also Read This – Champawat gang rape sparks outrage, clash inside police station
Police said that Puran Singh Rawat is a former village head and currently holds the post of BJP mandal vice president. Teams have been formed to arrest the accused, and further investigation is underway.
