A woman who allegedly forced her 13-year-old niece to drink alcohol and then allowed her boyfriend to rape the child has been arrested, the Hindustan Times reported on Wednesday. The incident took place on Sunday in a wooded part of Shahbad Dairy area in outer Delhi, according to the police.
Police are searching for the woman’s boyfriend, Mukesh Kumar. An investigating officer told the daily that the girl lives with her father in Shahbad. The girl’s 30-year-old aunt lives in the same neighbourhood and often took care of the child.
On Sunday, the woman allegedly lured the girl to her home and then took her to a forested area nearby. Mukesh had arrived there in his mini truck.
“The woman tried to trick the girl into drinking alcohol by mixing it with [carbonated] drinks,” the investigating officer told the Hindustan Times. “When the girl refused to drink, the woman forced her. The woman and Mukesh too were drinking. Once the girl was inebriated, Mukesh raped her even as the woman stayed around.”
The officer said the woman knew of the rape and police suspect it was planned. “That is why we have added the IPC section pertaining to criminal conspiracy,” the officer said.
On Monday morning, the girl’s father saw she was bleeding and took her to a hospital. “When he (the father) learnt from the doctors that his daughter had been raped, he informed the police,” the officer said.
Police said the child was hospitalised for 24 hours and was later discharged.
Rajneesh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini), said a case has been registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to rape, causing hurt by intoxicating substance with intent to commit an offence, criminal intimidation, and criminal conspiracy. The woman and her boyfriend were also booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!