Gangtok: A 30-year-old man has been apprehended by Sikkim Police in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Uttaray, located in West Sikkim. The arrest followed the discovery of the incident after the minor was taken to Dentam Primary Health Centre (PHC) on April 6th exhibiting heavy bleeding, where a urine pregnancy test yielded a positive result.
Authorities were alerted by the medical personnel at Dentam PHC after the girl, who reportedly had a history of heavy menstrual bleeding, was brought in for examination. Initial inquiries conducted by the police revealed that the alleged sexual assault occurred in the first week of February of this year. The suspect identified as Deepen Rai, a resident of Uttaray, is accused of committing the crime in a forested area as the victim was returning from her school.
Further investigation indicates that the accused allegedly provided the minor with certain pills, which she consumed on April 4th and 5th, leading to the subsequent severe bleeding. Following the initial medical assessment, the victim has been transferred to District Hospital Gyalshing for more comprehensive medical care and a thorough examination.
Prompt action by the Sikkim Police led to the arrest of Deepen Rai from his rented residence in Uttaray. He underwent a medical examination following his apprehension and is currently being held in police custody as the investigation progresses.
The case has been formally registered at Uttaray Police Station under FIR number 03/2025, dated April 6, 2025. The charges filed include Sections 63 and 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 5(j)(ii) and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the investigation into the matter is actively ongoing.
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