Chennai: Eight persons have been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a minor girl several times since July last year in a village near Gingee in Villupuram district.
The arrested include two relatives of the survivor and a 77-year-old neighbour. Her aunt has also been held for abetment.
According to Superintendent of Police N Shreenatha, the minor girl was staying in the house of her aunt Kuppu (50) in a village near Gingee after the death of her mother several years ago. Her father was living separately. She is pursuing Class 11 in a government school presently.
She fell sick a couple of days ago and her relatives took her to a hospital. The doctor, who diagnosed her, found that she was six months pregnant. While her relatives were startled to learn that she was pregnant, the medical team alerted the police.
During an inquiry, it came to light that during lockdown, a relative forced himself on her and raped her on multiple occasions. On coming to know of this, two other relatives also raped the girl. Apart from that, five villagers also raped the girl. Now the girl is four months pregnant and a case under POCSO Act was filed and all eight accused have been arrested.
‘Severe action will be taken against the accused. Complaints regarding child sexual abuse can be made through toll free numbers 1098 or 100. If women face any sexual abuse at home or office or public places, they can call 181 helpline or use the SOP Kavalan app to alert the police,’ the SP added.