New Delhi: A 12-year-old Assam domestic help, who was allegedly raped and set ablaze by her employer, was pregnant, the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) said, according to news reports.
According to the New Indian Express, the police had arrested the employer Prakash Borthakur (70) and his son Nayanmoni (25) – from Khaighar village, which falls under Raha police station in Nagaon district – in connection with the incident.
The victim hailed from the adjoining Karbi Anglong district.
According to reports, the Borthakur family’s neighbours told the ASCPCR that the victim was regularly abused and had become pregnant.
The ASCPCR, in a letter to the Nagaon deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, asked them to investigate the case on a fast-track mode so that a chargesheet can be filed by incorporating relevant sections of the POCSO Act, 2012, Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
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A post-mortem examination was conducted on the body on Thursday even before the arrival of her parents.
According to the New Indian Express, the state’s director general of police, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta had tweeted on Friday: “As per her employer, the girl committed suicide. However, after initial inspection, it is suspected that she was murdered and then burnt. She was also underage to be working as domestic help. Therefore, the two accused were taken to custody immediately. The investigation is on”.
According to the Hindu, various organisations on Friday had gathered outside the residence of the accused, protesting against the brutal incident, after the girl’s charred body was found.
The Commission has taken the case very seriously, an ASCPCR release said.
The police have assured the Commission that the chargesheet will be prepared on a fast-track mode and justice will be delivered, the release added.
(With inputs from PTI)