Teenager Raped and Coerced into Abortion: Three Arrested in Faridabad Case

A 16-year-old girl was reportedly raped by three individuals and coerced into having an abortion, according to police statements on Friday. The accused, identified as Jaswant, aged 37, his acquaintance Sultan, and Sikander, 55, who is the girl's neighbour, have been detained in connection with the case.

Pradeep Kumar from the District Child Protection Unit's child helpline in Faridabad filed a complaint. He reported that the teenager had undergone an abortion following the assault. Kumar received information about the incident from two NGOs, Shakti Vahini and Nosrishti Sanstha, earlier in the week.

Details of the Incident

The victim shared her ordeal with Kumar, explaining that she begged on streets to support her alcoholic father and younger brother. About three months ago, while searching for her brother, Jaswant, an auto-rickshaw driver who occasionally provided her with food, offered to help find him. He invited her into his vehicle under this pretext.

Jaswant allegedly took her to his residence where he and Sultan repeatedly assaulted her. They threatened her with harm if she disclosed the incidents. Additionally, Sikander, her neighbour, also raped her several times after offering food and tea.

Events Leading to Abortion

On January 6th, a woman visited the girl's home and informed her that Jaswant had summoned her. The woman gave the girl some food which caused her to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness hours later, Jaswant provided her with a papaya, a shawl, and a jacket.

Kumar stated in his complaint that both the woman and Jaswant forced the girl to undergo an abortion at their residence. Her health worsened following this procedure, prompting intervention from an NGO which then contacted the Child Helpline.

Legal Actions Taken

An FIR has been lodged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The police confirmed that all three suspects have been apprehended as investigations continue.

The case highlights serious concerns about child safety and exploitation. Authorities are urged to ensure justice for the victim while preventing similar incidents in future.