Rajkot, Gujarat: A rickshaw driver has been arrested in Rajkot after a 15-year-old girl allegedly became pregnant following repeated sexual assault, according to a complaint filed with the police.
The accused, identified as Rehman Sohilbhai Sheikh, allegedly knew the minor for around a year before the incident came to light.
According to the complaint, Sheikh allegedly called the girl to his residence at night, where he sexually assaulted her. Police have alleged that the abuse continued on multiple occasions over a period of several months.
The case came to the family's attention only after the girl was found to be around seven months pregnant. By that stage, the pregnancy was reportedly too advanced for a termination, leaving the family to approach the authorities.
Following the complaint, police arrested Sheikh and registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions concerning rape.
Family Learns About the Alleged Abuse Months Later
The case reportedly remained unknown to the girl's family for several months. The discovery of her pregnancy eventually prompted the family to seek help and report the matter to police.
Under Indian law, a person below the age of 18 is considered a child for the purposes of the POCSO Act. Sexual activity involving a minor is therefore treated as a serious criminal offence, regardless of the circumstances alleged by the accused.
Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the case, including the alleged relationship between the accused and the minor, the duration of the alleged abuse and the events that led to the pregnancy.
Investigation Underway
The accused has been taken into custody as the investigation continues. Police are expected to record statements and collect other relevant evidence as part of the proceedings.
The identity of the minor has not been disclosed, in accordance with legal protections for child sexual-abuse victims.
The allegations mentioned above are based on the complaint and police case. The accused remains entitled to due process, and guilt will ultimately be determined by the court.
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