In a deeply disturbing case that has shaken a rural community in Maharashtra's Akola district, a 12-year-old girl has allegedly been subjected to prolonged sexual abuse by her own father, her uncle, and an elderly neighbor. The incidents took place in Adsul village, located in the Telhara taluka, exposing a profound breach of trust within the family and neighborhood.The victim, whose exact age police have recorded as 12 years, 8 months, and 22 days, endured the ordeal until she could no longer bear it. She confided in her school teachers during a counseling session organized by Childline, a child protection helpline. The program, focused on guidance and emotional support for students, provided the opportunity for the girl to reveal the harrowing details. Shocked by her account, school headmaster Ganesh Thakre, along with Childline officials, immediately approached Telhara police to file a formal complaint.Authorities acted swiftly, registering a case under serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — specifically sections 64(2)(f), (m), and 65(1) — alongside sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The FIR number is 382/25. Police sources indicate that the father and uncle had been abusing the girl over the past six days, while the elderly neighbor also participated in the assaults.Telhara police arrested the girl's father and the neighbor, identified as an elderly resident named Gajanand Bhom in some reports, shortly after the complaint. The uncle, however, remains at large, reportedly having fled to Pune around 20 days prior. The investigation is being led by Police Sub-Inspector Nilesh Thakre, who is gathering further evidence to build a strong case.This incident underscores the vulnerability of children in close-knit rural settings, where familial and communal ties can sometimes mask grave injustices. It also highlights the critical role of schools and child protection networks in uncovering such hidden traumas, offering a lifeline to victims who might otherwise suffer in silence. As the probe continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for greater awareness, vigilance, and support systems to safeguard minors from exploitation within their own homes and communities.
.jpg)
Comment List