‘Gang rape’ of minor: Aunt of girl arrested

Sivaganga (TN): A case of alleged gang rape of a minor girl in October took a curious turn when her aunt was arrested today for “forcing her” to accuse 22 persons, including some police officials, of committing the offence.

CB-CID police said Selvi, who was taking care of her niece, had forced her to give a false statement before the magistrate that she was raped by these people.

A total of 12 persons, including minor boys and a special sub-inspector, have been arrested as of date on the charge.

CB-CID police today produced Selvi before the Magistrate.

A boy apprehended in connection with the alleged rape was not remanded as he is a minor.

Sevli told the Magistrate that the CB-CID police was trying to “protect” officials involved.

The case was registered on June 4 this year.

The girl had given a statement before the judicial magistrate, charging 22 persons, including her father, brother, relatives, neighbours and public servants and police officials, with sexually abusing her.

But she told CB-CID today that her aunt, who was taking care of her, had forced her to make the charges. After recording her statement, Selvi was arrested.

On November 3, Madras High Court had directed the Government Pleader to file the final report in a sealed cover within two months on the investigations into the case.

It had given the direction on a PIL by one Vincent, alleging certain unnamed police officials were involved.

Selvi had filed a complaint at the All Women Police Station, Sivaganga, against “atrocities” committed on her niece by various persons, including the girl’s father, brother, relatives, neighbours and public servants.

When the matter came up on October 5, seeking a CBI probe into the case, Vincent had submitted that very senior and influential police officers, including IPS officers, were involved and had sought a probe by the central agency.

Government Pleader S T S Murthy had sought two months time to file a final report and the court had adjourned the case for further hearing to January 21, 2016.