In a disturbing turn of events, the owner of a private school in Bhopal was arrested on May 14 in connection with the rape of an eight-year-old girl at the school's hostel.
The arrest comes two weeks after the initial complaint was filed, according to an official report by PTI. This case has drawn significant attention, highlighting serious lapses in the handling of the complaint by local authorities.
The case took a darker twist as a police sub-inspector, previously suspended for discouraging the girl's mother from filing a complaint, was also arrested. This raises severe concerns about the integrity of local law enforcement in dealing with such sensitive matters.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shraddha Tiwari confirmed the arrest of the school owner, who faces charges of rape. Efforts are currently underway to identify his two co-accused. "After a thorough verification exercise, we apprehended the school owner. We are actively working to identify and arrest his accomplices," said Tiwari.
The incident came to light when the victim’s family, after much hesitation and alleged pressure from local police, filed a complaint on April 30. Despite this, the police initially booked three unidentified persons without specifying the date of the crime, adding to the family's distress and raising questions about the initial investigation's transparency.
In a shocking revelation, suspended sub-inspector Prakash Singh Rajput was also taken into custody. He is accused of attempting to prevent the victim's mother from lodging a complaint. This arrest highlights a critical issue within the local police force and underscores the need for strict oversight and accountability.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has responded to the incident by ordering a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. This move aims to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation into the case, reflecting the administration’s commitment to justice and child safety. "The SIT will conduct a detailed investigation to ensure that justice is served," stated Yadav.
Following the complaint, an FIR was registered against three unidentified persons under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (punishment for rape) and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. These legal provisions underscore the gravity of the offense and the stringent penalties awaiting the perpetrators.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities children face, even in environments meant to be safe havens. It also calls for an urgent review of procedures within educational institutions and law enforcement to prevent such incidents and ensure swift justice when they occur.