The Uttara Kannada district police on Sunday arrested two persons from Bhatkal and two from Kumta on the charge of raping two minor girls. The arrested include one of the victim’s father and brother-in-law, who allegedly raped her for two years.
Uttara Kannada District Superintendent of Police R. Dileep said the victims, who were aged 17 and 15, were inmates of a madrasa in Bhatkal. They had gone missing on November 18. The madrasa secretary Hafiz Abdul Khadir had lodged a complaint with the police on November 23.
A special team was formed to trace the girls and based on a tip off they were brought back from Goa a few days ago, he said.
Revealed during counselling
The incident of assault came to light during the investigation.
During counselling, one of the girls revealed that she was raped by her father and brother-in-law continuously for the last two years. When she complained to her mother and sister, they turned a deaf ear.
The parents of the other girl were separated and she was allegedly subjected to abuse. Both victims, who were depressed, decided to leave for Goa in search of jobs and to stay away from their parents.
The girls, who reached Kumta Railway Station with the help of friend, were accosted by two boys in their 20s, who allegedly took them to a secluded area and raped them.
The boys took their photos and threatened to upload them on social media if they revealed the incident to anyone.
The girls, who were dropped at the railway station, managed to reach Goa, the police official said.
The police have arrested the two boys and the father and brother-in-law. Cases have been lodged under The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), 2012.
Special arrangements have been made for the rehabilitation of the victims. Investigations are under way, Mr. Dileep said.
Two youths along with father and brother-in-law
of one of the
girls arrested
