Minor raped in SUV near Patna, accused arrested

Patna: A 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped inside an SUV by a youth after being lured from an area adjacent to Patna late Sunday night.Upon receiving the information, the police arrested the accused Sikesh Kumar in the early hours of Monday, officials confirmed.The crime came to light around 11pm on Sunday when the police received information that a minor girl had been abandoned near a bridge in a distressed state. On being questioned by the police, the girl revealed that Sikesh had enticed and forced her into his vehicle, and raped her while driving towards neighbouring Nalanda district.SDPO Ayush Shrivastava, said after the rape the accused allegedly dumped her near the bridge and fled.

“Taking swift action, the local police, led by the SHO, raided the accused’s house and arrested him within just two hours of the complaint. The SUV used in the crime was also seized from his residence. The accused works as a driver and provides cars on rent,” he said.On the statement of the victim, a case was registered under Section 96 and Section 65(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (provisions related to the rape of a minor) and the Pocso Act.

The victim was sent for a medical examination, and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was informed to collect evidence, he said.Police sources said the girl is being counselled and all possible assistance is being provided to her while the investigation continues. According to the police, the accused had known the girl for the past two months, and they both live in the same village.