Sub-inspector arrested for raping minor in Rajasthan; BJP slams Congress govt over law & order

Nov 12, 2023 - 07:56 Updated: Nov 12, 2023 - 07:59

Sub-inspector arrested for raping minor in Rajasthan; BJP slams Congress govt over law & order

The police sub-inspector accused of raping a minor girl in Rajasthan’s Dausa district has been arrested on Saturday. A case has been registered against him under relevant sections, including the POCSO Act and the SC/ST Act. The police officer was detained and suspended on Friday.

The opposition BJP attacked the Congress government in the state over law and order after the case surfaced. They alleged that while the Centre advocates “beti bachao” (save the daughter), the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot-led administration in Rajasthan appears to support “rapists bachao” (save the rapists).

A shocking case of brutal rape of a 4 year old innocent has come to the fore in Rajasthan.

Notably, the Rajasthan Police and administration got into ‘action’ to institutionally save the accused!

On the one hand, PM Modi campaigns for ‘Beti Bachao’, on the other hand, the Gehlot… pic.twitter.com/pTN0l0RemM

— BJP (@BJP4India) November 11, 2023

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra condemned the incident, stating that it brings shame to the entire society. He instructed Director General of Police Umesh Mishra to take strict action in the case.

The minor was allegedly lured into a room by Sub-Inspector Bhupendra Singh and raped on Friday afternoon, police said, adding that Singh was suspended on Friday itself and a report of his misconduct was sent to the IGP of Jaipur Rural for further action.

The incident which took place in the Lalsot area sparked a huge protest. Local people in large numbers gheraoed the Rahuwas police station and raised slogans against the police. A video has surfaced online purportedly showing a mob dragging the sub-inspector on the road and beating him with shoes and sticks as his clothes were torn away.

The minor underwent a medical examination and her condition is stable. The girl’s exact age is yet to be determined but is estimated to be around four to five years, police said.

Dausa Superintendent of Police Vandita Rana said an FIR has been registered against the accused under sections of the Indian Penal Code, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act based on a complaint by the girl’s parents.

“The case is being investigated by an additional SP-rank officer. The statement of the victim girl has been recorded and further action is being taken,” she added.

BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena visited the spot on Friday and demanded justice for the minor.

At a press conference on Saturday, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla cited a number of cases of atrocities against women and children, including those involving police and other government officials, to allege that rapists have “high confidence” in poll-bound Rajasthan.

Noting that the child is only four years old and comes from a Dalit family, Poonawalla alleged that the FIR was registered only after protests erupted amid efforts to save the guilty person and remove evidence.

Governor Mishra spoke to DGP Mishra over the phone and also instructed him to ensure proper arrangements for law and order and public safety and to take such incidents seriously.

With inputs from PTI.