Teen arrested for raping, marrying minor in Panchkula

A team from the Sector-2 police post led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrishti Gupta arrested a man for allegedly raping and marrying a 14-year-old minor.

According to the police, the girl’s mother, who hails from Uttar Pradesh and is currently residing in Panchkula, lodged a complaint with the police stating that her 14-year-old daughter had been lured into a marriage by their 18-year-old neighbour, who also originally hails from Uttar Pradesh.

The case was registered at Sector 5 Police Station on July 9, and the accused had been absconding since.

During investigation, it was found that the accused took the minor with him and raped her. This was also confirmed in the medical examination.

Additionally, the accused had also married the 14-year-old, leading to the inclusion of Section 9 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in the case. The investigation is being carried out by Sub-Inspector Pooja, in charge of the Sector-2 police post.

Sharing further details, the DCP said a case had been registered against the accused under Sections 137(2) and 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 6 of the POCSO Act, and Section 9 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and necessary action had been taken.

The girl has been provided counselling with the assistance of a female legal aid counsellor to ensure she receives both psychological and legal support.

Following his arrest on Friday, the accused was produced before the court today, from where he was remanded to judicial custody.

The DCP further emphasised that the safety of women and children was the Panchkula police’s highest priority, and swift and strict action in such cases will continue.