Stepfather held for minor’s rape

Chandigarh, December 15

A 50-year-old man has been arrested for sexually exploiting his 13-year-old stepdaughter. The victim, who was being exploited for many months, revealed it to her teacher, who then contacted Childline, a 24-hour toll-free helpline service for kids in distress.

The victim, a government school student, stays with her parents and eight siblings at a Sector 35 park.

Dr Sangeeta Jund, project director, Childline, said they came to know from the school that the victim was being sexually exploited by her stepfather. “The victim told her mother about this several times. However, she ignored it,” Dr Sangeeta said.

The victim’s father, who earns livelihood by washing cars outside houses, used to exploit the victim after consuming alcohol.

The police were informed about the incident following which the victim’s medical examination was conducted. The police also recorded her statement.

A case under the POCSO Act has been registered.

Sources said the victim was sent to a shelter home in Sector 15. — TNS