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A deputy director employed by the Women and Child Development Department of the Delhi Government was charged by Delhi Police, on allegations of raping a minor girl.
The incident was brought to attention when the victim sought medical treatment for an anxiety attack at St. Stephen's Hospital. It was during the counseling sessions at the hospital that the victim disclosed multiple instances of rape.
Hospital alerts police, FIR registered
The hospital notified the Burari Police Station, resulting in the registration of an FIR. Due to the victim's circumstances, she is unable to provide her statement before a Magistrate as per Section 154. The accused has been interrogated by the police, leading to the registration of an FIR under Sections 376(2), 506, 509, 323, 313, 120B, 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act.
In the FIR, the 14-year-old victim accused the deputy director’s wife too. According to the police, the victim’s parents were government school principals. She is in class 12th in a school in the civil lines area. The victim mentioned visiting the Church with her family and the deputy director's family, as they were friends from the same state.
Girl disclosed sexual abuse to doctors
The victim’s father passed away on October 1st, 2020, causing her significant distress. In an attempt to help, the deputy director offered her a place to stay at his house. However, during her stay there from November 2020 to January 2021, he committed multiple acts of rape against her. When the victim discovered she was pregnant during this time, the deputy director's wife urged her to remain silent. To terminate the pregnancy, the couple's son procured medicine from the market and gave it to the victim.
An FIR has been filed under the Pocso Act based on the survivor's complaint, as stated by DCP (north) Sagar Singh. "The survivor lived with a family friend as her guardian after her father's death from October 2020 to February 2021. She experienced sexual harassment and repeated rape by her uncle, who was supposed to be her caretaker. Recently, she developed anxiety and was hospitalized, the police official said."
"He added that the girl disclosed the sexual abuse to the doctors following counseling. "She reported experiencing panic attacks after the accused and his wife performed the abortion. Medical examination completed, investigation underway," stated DCP said.
Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson, Swati Maliwal, tweeted, “A government official holding the position of Deputy Director in the Women and Child Development Department in Delhi has been accused of sexual assault of a girl. The police have not arrested him yet. Delhi Police are issuing notices in this regard. Someone who was supposed to ensure the safety of daughters has turned into a predator. Where should girls go? Arrest should happen soon”.
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