Accused Cousin, 20, Held After Family Dispute Turns Violent
Key Points:
- Six-year-old allegedly raped by 20-year-old cousin in Seraikela
- Arrest comes amid bitter dispute between two branches of family
- Victim’s mother was murdered earlier; father is in jail
SERAIKELA – A disturbing case of alleged sexual assault on a minor has surfaced from the Seeni police station area of Seraikela-Kharsawan district, where a six-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her 20-year-old cousin.
Police said the incident occurred on Sunday, when the accused reportedly lured the child and her four-year-old sister away from their home on the pretext of some errand. The younger sibling was said to be present at the location when the assault allegedly took place.
According to officials, the victim’s family has been going through prolonged distress. Her mother was killed some time ago, and her father has since been in judicial custody in connection with that case. In the aftermath, a dispute reportedly simmered between two branches of the extended family over the custody and welfare of the children.
The families, who live in the same village, are said to have clashed again on Sunday over the ongoing disagreement. It was during this altercation, police said, that the accused allegedly took the two girls away and assaulted the elder child.
Officers said an attempt was initially made to suppress the matter. However, when police arrived at the village on Monday to investigate an unrelated altercation between the two families, a villager reportedly disclosed details of the assault during questioning.
Station in-charge Vinay Kumar then conducted a detailed inquiry, following which the full sequence of events emerged, according to police. The accused was arrested without delay and sent to judicial custody.
The victim was taken to a hospital for medical examination late Monday night, though the procedure could not be completed at the time owing to the late hour. The required medical process was subsequently carried out on Tuesday, police said.
Authorities said charges have been registered against the accused under relevant sections of law, and the case is being examined from every angle. The victim, officials added, is being provided assistance in line with standard protocol.
News of the incident has stirred concern and anger across the area, coming close on
