A 15-year-old girl who had gone missing from Assam’s Kamrup district has been traced to Guwahati, where police allege that she was sexually assaulted at a homestay. Five people have been arrested in connection with the case, and investigators have initiated further legal and forensic proceedings.
According to police officials, the teenager went missing on August 22. Her family subsequently approached the Dadara Police Outpost in Kamrup district, where a missing-person report was lodged on August 23. The initial case was registered under the relevant provision of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning abduction.
The investigation took a significant turn early on August 24, when police received information at around 5:47 a.m. that the missing girl had been spotted in the Panbazar area of Guwahati. Personnel from the Dadara outpost, accompanied by members of her family, reached the location and found the girl near the Panbazar water tank.
During preliminary questioning, the teenager reportedly told investigators that she had been sexually assaulted the previous night at a homestay in the Kerakuchi area of Guwahati.
Two youths initially detained
Police initially arrested two young men after they were allegedly found in the same room as the minor at the homestay. Investigators subsequently arrested two members of the homestay staff as part of the inquiry.
The investigation later led police to another suspect. Officials said a 39-year-old man was allegedly involved in taking the girl from Dadara to Panbazar on a scooter. He was subsequently arrested, taking the total number of people arrested in connection with the case to five.
Police have not disclosed details that could identify the minor, in accordance with legal and ethical safeguards protecting child victims of sexual offences.
POCSO provisions added to case
Following the girl’s account, police added provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act to the case. The provisions include those relating to aggravated penetrative sexual assault and sexual assault.
The addition of POCSO provisions underscores the seriousness of the allegations, as the law provides specific protections and procedures for cases involving children. The investigation will now focus on establishing the sequence of events, the circumstances in which the girl was taken to the homestay and the individual roles of each of the arrested suspects.
Police are also expected to examine available evidence from the homestay and other locations connected with the case. Such investigation can include forensic examination, statements from relevant witnesses and analysis of other material evidence gathered during the probe.
Girl medically examined, statement recorded
Officials said the minor has undergone a medical examination following her recovery. Her statement has also been recorded before a judicial magistrate as part of the legal process.
The recording of the statement before a magistrate is an important stage in the investigation, particularly in cases involving allegations of sexual assault against a child. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.
All five arrested individuals are expected to be produced before a court, where the prosecution can seek further legal action as permitted under the law.
Investigation continues
The case began as a missing-person investigation before developing into an alleged sexual assault case after the teenager was located in Guwahati. Police are now examining the circumstances surrounding her movement from Kamrup district to the city and her presence at the homestay.
Investigators are also looking into the role allegedly played by the homestay staff and the other suspects. The precise sequence of events and the individual responsibility of those arrested will be determined through the ongoing investigation and judicial process.
Police have said that further legal and forensic action is underway. The allegations against the arrested individuals have not been established in court, and they are entitled to due process under the law.
The case has once again highlighted the importance of swift action when a child goes missing and the need for coordinated police, medical and forensic procedures in cases involving alleged sexual offences against minors.