Raipur
Raipur Rural Police have arrested two men under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after a viral video forced the reopening of a minor girl’s abduction case that was initially headed for closure. The Superintendent of Police (SP), Raipur Rural, has also suspended a local police officer for alleged lapses in the investigation.
The fresh probe revealed that a cognisable offence had been committed against the minor. This development followed the emergence of a social media video allegedly showing the victim’s grandfather accepting money to suppress the matter.
Shift in Investigation
The girl’s father had lodged a missing person complaint at the Dharsiwa Police Station on 18 April, stating that his daughter had been missing since 17 April. Police registered a case under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched a search.
The minor was traced and recovered later that day. Women police personnel recorded her statement, and she was subsequently produced before the Child Welfare Committee and a local court. The court recorded her statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
During the initial inquiry, the girl denied that any offence had taken place, prompting local police to prepare a closure report for senior officers.
Reinvestigation and Arrests
The case was reopened after the viral video raised suspicions of an attempt to conceal the crime. Taking serious note of the development, the Raipur Rural SP rejected the closure proposal and ordered a fresh investigation.
During the reinvestigation, police recorded a fresh statement from the minor, which disclosed details of the offence. Investigators then detained two suspects, who allegedly confessed during questioning. Both were arrested under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act.
Action Against Police Personnel
In a parallel action, the SP suspended Silyari Chowki In-charge Jitendra Dubey and attached him to the SP Office pending further inquiry. A preliminary departmental probe has also begun.
Police sources said the officer failed to gauge the sensitivity of the case and relied solely on legal formalities. He did not adequately gather local intelligence and social inputs that could have helped uncover the truth earlier.
Authorities are currently verifying the authenticity of the viral video. Police indicated that if the involvement of any other individuals in suppressing the case is established, they will face action under the POCSO Act and other relevant provisions of law.
