Another Dalit gangraped in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, May 4

A 19-year-old Dalit nursing student was allegedly gangraped in Varkala, days after the rape and murder of a law student in Kerala’s Ernakulam district that sparked protests by students and right activists.

The victim, a second year BSc student, was raped by an autorickshaw driver and his two friends near Ayanthi bridge in Varkala, about 50 km from here, on Tuesday. She has been admitted to the ICU of a hospital, police said today.

A case under Section 376 (2) (g) (gangrape) of the IPC was registered against the accused, who are absconding, the police said, adding that her statement would be recorded before a magistrate.

“Based on the statement of the girl, we registered case against three persons. A medical examination has confirmed that she was gangraped,” Varkala Circle Inspector Vinod B said. The victim had gone with an autorickshaw driver, who was known to her, in his vehicle on the day of the incident. Two of his friends also got into the vehicle later. They then took the autorickshaw to a deserted spot and allegedly raped her, the police said.

The girl was in a state of shock and suffered from fits when she was found by some people who rushed to the vehicle on hearing her cries for help. A team of expert doctors is monitoring the condition of the girl, who was admitted to the ICU of SAT hospital at the Thiruvanathapuram Government Medical College here late night from a private hospital in Varkala.

“Doctors are monitoring her health, which is stable now. Visitors are strictly prohibited,” SAT hospital superintendent said. The incident comes days after a 30-year-old Dalit law student was raped and murdered in Perumbavoor here. — PTI