13-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Rapes 9-Year-Old Neighbor; Accused And His Father Threaten Victim’s Mother

A 9-year-old girl in India was allegedly raped by a 13-year-old boy while she was playing with a friend outside her house, the police said Monday.

The incident took place in Bareilly, a city in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The minor boy, who lived near the girl’s house, allegedly dragged her to a secluded place, and raped her, media outlet Outlook India reported, citing Press Trust of India.

The girl's mother reportedly found out about the incident when the child came home crying. The woman then decided to register a case against the accused, and was on her way to the police station when she was allegedly stopped by the accused and his father. The duo threatened to kill the victim's mother if she disclosed the matter to anyone, the outlet reported.

When the girl's health started deteriorating, her mother took her to the community health center, where the former narrated her ordeal to the doctor.

The Medical Superintendent Wasid Ali informed the police about the incident and filed a complaint.

“The crime occurred last Thursday. The complaint was lodged much later as the girl’s kin were forced to compromise. As soon as the police came to know, a team was sent to the village and a thorough probe was carried out,” senior police officer Rohit Sajwan told The Times of India.

The girl is currently being kept under police protection, local media reported. The police arrested the accused Sunday.

“We have registered an FIR against the minor boy and he has been produced in the juvenile court. I have asked the circle officer to investigate the role of local village head as the girl’s mother said he was the mediator in the meetings and was forcing the family to compromise. We are also looking at the other possibilities in this case.”

A case has been registered under section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO) Act.

Despite strict laws, India has seen an increasing number of rape cases in the last few years. In many of the cases, the accused are known to the victims.

Last month, a 25-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a 4-year-old girl by luring her into a factory with sweets. The girl was reportedly playing near her house when the man took her to a factory and raped her.