Police said Monday they arrested six people, including two teenagers, in Assam state after a 12-year-old girl was repeatedly raped over several months, leaving her about 28 weeks pregnant.
The arrests were made in Majuli, a river island district in Assam state, following a criminal complaint filed by the girl’s family on Sunday.
Doctors estimated the girl was around 11 years old when the attacks began, said Majuli Somali Subhadarseni, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The pregnancy was only recently noticed, prompting the family to contact the police.
“We have recorded her statement and are also examining all aspects to find out how it all started and what she went through. A comprehensive investigation report will be submitted before the court,” she added.
Police identified the four adult suspects as Khajen Dooley, 59; Dharmakanta Biju, 50; Eugene Dooley, 52; and Nathuram Dooley, 32 years old.
They were produced before a local court on Monday and remanded in custody for two days. The remaining two suspects are minors and are being processed through the juvenile justice system.
The men were charged under several sections of India’s new penal code, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rape, criminal conspiracy and threats to kill as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, a tough federal law aimed at combating child abuse.
According to the complaint filed by the girl’s family, she was raped by the six at different times, and was threatened with death. I turned 12 about four months ago. Police said this meant the sexual assaults began when she was still 11 years old.
The girl was transferred to a state-run shelter, where officials said she was receiving medical treatment and counseling.
