Rangpo, Sikkim – A 36-year-old man is in police custody in Rangpo following the registration of a distressing case under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The arrest comes after a 15-year-old girl bravely disclosed a harrowing two-year ordeal of alleged sexual assault by her biological father.
The case was brought to light through the diligent efforts of the Childline Unit in Pakyong District. The unit had been providing counseling to the teenager after receiving crucial information regarding potential child neglect and abuse within her household. During these counseling sessions, the young victim courageously revealed the repeated acts of sexual assault she allegedly endured at the hands of her father throughout 2022 and 2023. The alleged abuse began when she was a vulnerable 13-year-old.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the victim detailed multiple instances of alleged sexual assault, including a disturbing account of attempted penetrative assault and one specific incident where her father allegedly inserted his finger into her private parts.
Further compounding the gravity of the situation, the victim also disclosed that her mother had been aware of the alleged abuse and had, at one point, threatened to report it. However, despite this awareness, no formal action was reportedly taken at the time to protect the child.
The Rangpo Police acted swiftly upon receiving the complaint from the Childline Unit and have initiated a thorough investigation into the allegations. The accused has been apprehended, and authorities are currently gathering further evidence and testimonies to build a strong case.
This deeply concerning incident underscores the critical role of child protection agencies and the importance of providing safe spaces for victims to come forward. The POCSO Act, enacted to safeguard children from sexual offences, carries stringent penalties for perpetrators, reflecting the seriousness with which such crimes are treated under Indian law.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have assured that justice will be served in this sensitive case, prioritizing the well-being and safety of the young survivor. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden vulnerabilities faced by some children and the urgent need for vigilance and proactive intervention to protect them from harm.