Minor gives birth, rape accused booked

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 8

The parents of the minor rape victim, who gave birth to a baby here on Saturday, claimed that they came to know about their daughter’s pregnancy when she complained of severe pain in abdomen. Their statement has puzzled the police.

The 16-year old was allegedly sexually assaulted about nine months ago. On Saturday, she was rushed to a nearby hospital, from where she was referred to Kamla Nehru Hospital, where doctors could not save the baby.

Her father, who was in a state of shock, asked the victim about the accused and filed a complaint with the police. The accused, identified as Sahil, happens to be a cousin of the brother-in-law of the victim.

“A case has been registered under Section 4 of POSCO and Section 376 of the IPC; and investigation are underway,” said investigating officer Kalyan Singh. He added that they were on the lookout for the accused.

Both victim and the accused hail from Jharkhand. Her parents work as migrant labourers in Shimla. It is learnt that the family of the accused resides in Solan. The strange thing is that the incident came to light after the birth of the child.

The police are confused as to how such a thing could remain hidden for nine months.