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New Delhi: Five people were arrested on Friday after a 16-year-old HIV infected girl alleged that she was repeatedly raped for two years and forced to undergo an abortion in Maharashtra's Latur district. According to officials, the assaults took place between July 13, 2023, and July 23 in a shelter home, named "Sevalay" for providing a safe place for the HIV infected people.
The minor girl alleged that even after repeatedly making written complaints to the shelter authorities, there was no response from their side.
Nearly two years ago, the girl came to the shelter home from her ancestral home in Dharashiv district. She alleged that she was being sexually assaulted four times by one of the staffers of the residential facility.
The girl had made a written complaint to the Sevalay authorities for seeking help. Instead, the members tore the letter and suppressed the matter. They also warned her of the consequences if she tried to reveal the incident to anyone else.
A few days ago, the victim fell ill and was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital. After undergoing tests, it was revealed that the minor was four months pregnant. The victim further alleged that she was forced to undergo an abortion at the hospital.
The girl lodged a zero FIR after she went back to her native place Dharashiv. The local police subsequently transferred the case to the Latur district. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Latur, Kumar Chaudhary, said that a case has been registered against the accused under several sections, including Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO).
The DSP also said that apart from the victim, some of the other girls have complained about similar assaults faced by them. The police have deployed several teams to nab the culprits.
