In the city of Barnala in the Punjab, humanity is once again ashamed. A 22-year-old girl was held hostage for eight months and raped. Police have registered a case against seven people, including two women, on the basis of the victim's statement. One of them is said to be a political leader.
The statement was recorded by a magistrate after the girl was admitted to a government hospital in Barnala for medical treatment. The victim girl and her family are demanding strict action against the accused. The victim and her family members said she left home in June 2020 to have photocopy done of some document.
Meanwhile, a woman living in her rented house took him to her mother-in-law's house. There were 20 to 25 people present. In that gathering, the woman was given drugs mixed in a soft drink. After which his body became numb.
She was later raped by several others. They then took her to the village of Pandher in Barnala, where she was held captive. Police officers also used to visit her there and they kept threatening to kill her.
All this while, the young woman was kept unconscious with injections.
She was then taken to Bathinda. She was sold for Rs 3 lakh. She somehow, with extreme hardships, managed to escape.
She now demands justice in the case and exemplary action against the culprits.
In this regard, the DSP of Barnala, Lakhveer Singh Tiwana said that regarding this, a case was registered on July 10, 2020 on the statement of the victim's mother. The victim's mother had accused the tenant woman of kidnapping her daughter. After which the tenant woman was arrested.
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During the ensuing investigation, on July 28, 2020, the girl had filed a statement with the Hon'ble Magistrate stating that she was an adult and wanted to get married of her own free will. After which the proceedings of the case came to a halt.
However, on February 23, police was intimated by the government hospital and a case of rape was registered. The entire matter was referred to the SSP, Barnala. After which the victim's statement was given to the Hon'ble Magistrate.
In these statements, the girl has made allegations that she was forced into marriage and raped. At the same time, 3 police officers were charged with intimidation. After which a total of 7 persons including 2 women were booked in the case under various sections. In addition, 3 police personnel have been suspended. DSP Barnala said the matter was being seriously investigated and action would be taken accordingly.