2 youths held, boy detained in Ganjam for gang rape of girl from Andhra

Berhampur: A 17-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh, who had fled home in Kadapa district following alleged sexual abuse by her stepfather and ill-treatment by her mother, was reportedly gang raped by two youths in Ganjam district on Sunday night.

On Tuesday, police arrested the youths, aged 19 and 22, and detained a 15-year-old boy for their alleged involvement in the gang rape.Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said a police team rescued the girl on Monday after receiving information about the incident and had launched an investigation.Preliminary inquiry revealed that the survivor, after feeling home, reached Berhampur by train four days before the incident.

She worked at a tea stall near the railway station, and stayed with a couple employed there. During this period, she came in contact with the boy.Police said on Sunday night the boy took her to his house, where his mother was present. Later, the other two accused, who belong to the same locality, reached the 15-year-old’s home and persuaded the boy and girl to accompany them. They took the girl to an isolated spot where the two adults allegedly raped her.

Following her rescue, the girl was produced before the district child welfare committee and underwent a medical examination. She was later shifted to a childcare home. Police claimed the youths and the boy had reportedly consumed intoxicants before the assault and are trying to verify its nature. They are also probing whether more people were involved in the act.