People who failed to assist the 12-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, who was pleading for help door-to-door after being raped and left bleeding and semi-naked, may be held accountable under the child sex abuse laws.
A senior Madhya Pradesh police officer on Friday said that those people might face charges for ‘failing to report or register the commission’ of a crime under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, a NDTV report said.
At least one such person, an auto rickshaw driver, has been identified for knowingly not informing the police about the matter, said Jayant Singh Rathore, an Additional Superintendent of Police (Ujjain).
Rathore reportedly said that action has been against the auto rickshaw driver – identified as Rakesh Malviya – and the CCTV footage will be examined. “If more people are found, and it is clear they did not help (the girl) or did not inform the police, we will take legal action,” he added.
According to the police, Malviya transported the girl in his auto and found blood stains on the seat – following which he failed to inform the police of her state.
However, as the police continues to examine the CCTV footage, it will only be known after their statement as to how many of those people will face charges for not helping the girl.
Ujjain Police Chief Disagrees On People Not Offering Help, Says ‘They Gave Rs 50 to Rs 100’
The police chief of Ujjain said the local residents offered “as much help as possible” to the 12-year-old rape survivor. He said when police found her, she had Rs 120 in hand as people had given her Rs 50 to Rs 100 when she was going door-to-door asking for help.
In the shocking visuals from the CCTV footage, a man standing at his door is seen shooing her away as the girl was asking for help. But, police chief Sachin Sharma disagreed with the reports and said people did help her with money but may have had “reservations” on seeing her condition.
Sharma reportedly said, “There were mixed responses. People in the localities she passed through had helped her. Some gave her Rs 50, others gave Rs 100. She crossed a toll booth on the way. The staff there gave her money and some clothes. At least 7-8 people tried to help.”
Mahakal Cop Says Girl’s Treatment, Education, Marriage is His Responsibility
Mahakal police station incharge Ajay Verma has taken it upon himself to complete the rape survivor’s medical treatment, education and marriage. The cop said many people have come forward to support the minor girl, who was turned away by many when she went door-to-door seeking help.
“I have taken the responsibility to help the girl with medical treatment, education, and marriage… Many people have come forward to support me in this resolution… I believe that all responsibilities will be completed in a good manner…” Verma said.
SIT Formed for Probe; Accused’ Father Seeks Capital Punishment For Son
A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to take the investigation forward in the Ujjain rape case.
Meanwhile, the father of the accused – Bharat Soni – has sought capital punishment for his son. “It is a shameful act. Neither have I gone to hospital to meet him, nor will I go to the police station or courts. My son has committed a crime, therefore he should be hanged,” his father said.
Soni was arrested on Thursday, three days after the minor girl was found.
Soni sustained injury when he allegedly tried to escape while being taken to the crime spot for investigation, police had said on Thursday.
Ujjain Bar Council president Ashok Yadav said the incident had damaged the reputation of the temple city. “We are appealing to our members not to take up the case of the accused,” he said.
What is The Case?
In a shocking incident, a 12-year-old girl, bleeding and in a semi-naked condition after being raped, was refused help. The incident was caught on CCTV camera at Badnagar road, about 15 km from Ujjain.
According to reports, the girl eventually reached an Ashram and a priest covered her with a towel and rushed her to the district hospital, where a medical examination confirmed rape. As her injuries were critical, the girl was later referred to Indore.
At the time, a case of rape was filed against unidentified accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
