Delhi police to record statements of 8-10 people in minor rape case

The Delhi Police is likely to record the statements of people concerned in connection with the alleged rape of a minor girl by a senior city government officer, said officails.

According to officials, currently, the investigation into the matter is in progress, with a senior officer disclosing that statements from approximately eight to ten individuals associated with the incident will be formally documented.

They said that the accused individual, Premoday Khakha, who was subsequently suspended by the Delhi government, stands accused of repeatedly raping a minor girl between November 2020 and January 2021, resulting in her pregnancy.

His spouse, Seema Rani, is facing allegations of administering medication to the girl to terminate her pregnancy. Notably, Khakha and Rani are parents to two children themselves, said officials.

Following the passing of the girl’s father in October 2020, she began residing with the accused, who was a family friend. Upon revealing the incident to Rani, the survivor claims she was met with blame. Additionally, the survivor’s police complaint accuses Rani of imposing strictness and resorting to physical punishment for poor academic performance.

Despite her ordeal, the minor girl refrained from confiding in her mother due to fears of disbelief. It wasn’t until 2021 that the girl returned home with her mother.

Subsequently, during encounters at church, the accused allegedly engaged in inappropriate touching of the minor girl. Her attendance at the church dwindled after July, leading to cessation, as per the police’s information.

As part of the ongoing investigation, a team is scheduled to visit the church.

In a local court, Khakha’s judicial custody was extended by 14 days on Wednesday. In a parallel move, Rani has also received a 14-day jail extension.

Their arrest transpired on Monday, following the victim’s provision of her statement before a magistrate at a city hospital. (With inputs from PTI)