The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected rape convict Asaram's plea for interim medical bail, ruling that he would remain in judicial custody while permitting him to engage a trained caretaker of his choice round the clock based on recommendations made by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

A Bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale passed the order after examining AIIMS' medical assessment, which concluded that Asaram did not require hospitalisation but would benefit from continuous medical assistance.

The court also granted him liberty to approach it again if his health condition deteriorates.

AIIMS Report Guides Court's Decision

The order was based on a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by AIIMS following the Supreme Court's direction on July 21.

A team of specialists examined Asaram and submitted a report stating that while his ailments did not warrant admission to a hospital, he required regular medical monitoring and assistance.

Accepting the findings, the Bench directed jail authorities to permit Asaram to appoint a trained caretaker of his own choice for 24-hour assistance during his incarceration.

Appeal Against Conviction Pending

The interim bail application was filed during the pendency of Asaram's appeal against the Rajasthan High Court judgment that upheld his conviction in the 2013 rape case involving a minor devotee.

The case relates to allegations that the minor girl was confined inside Asaram's hut at his Jodhpur ashram in August 2013, where she was sexually assaulted and criminally intimidated.

A trial court had convicted Asaram along with two co-accused. Earlier this year, the Rajasthan High Court affirmed the conviction under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act.

State Opposes Interim Bail

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Rajasthan government, opposed the interim bail plea.

He argued that Asaram had recently travelled to Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya after being granted temporary medical bail, questioning the seriousness of his medical claims.

Mehta also submitted that Asaram had sought parole before another court and had subsequently been granted 20 days' parole, alleging that this fact had not been properly disclosed before the Supreme Court.

Defence Denies Suppression of Facts

Counsel representing Asaram denied any concealment, stating that the parole application had been filed earlier and was unrelated to the present medical bail request.

The defence maintained that the parole was not granted on medical grounds and therefore did not amount to suppression of material facts before the apex court.

Fresh Plea Permitted if Condition Worsens

While refusing interim medical bail, the Supreme Court disposed of the application in line with the AIIMS report.

However, the Bench clarified that Asaram would be at liberty to file a fresh application if his health condition worsens while his appeal against conviction remains pending before the court.

NHRC Orders Criminal Action

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of six states and Union Territories to register First Information Reports (FIRs) against Meta Platforms over alleged violations of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 linked to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Instagram and Facebook.

According to reports, the Commission issued the directions after taking cognisance of allegations that pornographic and age-inappropriate content, potentially containing child sexual abuse material, was accessible through Meta-owned platforms.

The order applies to police authorities in Bihar, Chandigarh, Haryana, Odisha, West Bengal and Delhi.

Complaint Triggered Investigation

The Commission acted on a complaint submitted by a non-profit organisation, which reportedly received anonymous information regarding several Instagram and Facebook links allegedly containing or facilitating access to CSAM.

The organisation clarified that it had neither viewed nor downloaded the suspected content and had only shared the URLs with authorities for investigation, stating that it acted in compliance with the POCSO Act and the Information Technology Act.

In its notice dated August 3, the NHRC directed the concerned authorities to investigate the allegations and initiate legal action wherever cognisable offences are established.

Police Asked to Register FIRs

The NHRC has instructed state police cyber crime units and Special Juvenile Police Units to examine the reported URLs and register FIRs wherever offences under the POCSO Act or other applicable laws are found.

Police have also been directed to identify those responsible for uploading or circulating the content, rescue any identified child victims, produce them before the Child Welfare Committee, and coordinate with agencies including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and Meta.

The Commission has sought detailed Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from all concerned authorities within one week.

Directions Issued to Meta and MeitY

The NHRC has also issued specific directions to Meta and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Meta has been asked to immediately remove the reported content, preserve metadata, IP logs and other digital evidence, comply with mandatory reporting obligations under the POCSO Act, and provide details of the preventive mechanisms adopted to detect and prevent child sexual abuse material on its platforms.

MeitY has been directed to submit a report on the blocking of the identified URLs, action taken against the intermediary and measures being implemented to strengthen online child safety.

Inquiry Linked to Earlier BBC Investigation

The latest directions follow an earlier NHRC proceeding initiated after a BBC World Service investigation alleged that paid advertisements on Instagram promoted or facilitated access to child sexual abuse material through coded search terms before redirecting users to Telegram channels.

Following those reports, the NHRC had instructed Delhi Police to conduct a detailed investigation, preserve electronic evidence and examine whether Meta fulfilled its legal obligations to report suspected offences under Sections 19 and 20 of the POCSO Act.

The Commission later issued a reminder after Delhi Police failed to submit its Action Taken Report within the prescribed deadline.

Separate NCPCR Probe Underway

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has also initiated a separate inquiry into allegations that Meta's platforms were used to facilitate access to child sexual exploitation material.

The Commission sought an explanation from Meta after taking suo motu cognisance of the BBC investigation. Government sources said the company's response has been received and is under examination.

The NHRC has reiterated that every instance involving the creation, circulation or continued availability of child sexual abuse material constitutes a continuing violation of children's dignity, privacy and fundamental human rights, requiring urgent investigation, victim rehabilitation and prosecution of those responsible.

A minor lodged at a juvenile observation home in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa allegedly died by suicide late Monday night, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident. During the preliminary inquiry, investigators found the name of a minor girl and the words "Miss You" written on the deceased's hand, a detail that has now become part of the ongoing investigation.

The deceased, identified as Abhishek Patel, a resident of Amiliya police station area in Sidhi district, had been sent to the Rewa Juvenile Observation Home about a week ago under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, following an order of the Juvenile Justice Board.

Body Found Hanging Inside Observation Home

According to police, Home Guard personnel Amit Kumar Tiwari, who was on duty at the facility, discovered the minor hanging inside his room late Monday night. Staff members immediately brought him down and informed the police.

Officers reached the observation home shortly afterwards, sent the body for post-mortem examination and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Authorities are examining the sequence of events inside the facility, including the supervision arrangements and the juvenile's activities before his death.

Name Written on Hand Becomes Part of Investigation

During the investigation, police found the name of a minor girl along with the words "Miss You" written on the deceased's hand. Officials have confirmed the finding but have not disclosed the girl's identity because she is a minor.

Investigators said the writing has been documented as evidence and will be examined along with other material collected during the probe.

Family Claims Relationship, Alleges Mental Stress

The deceased's father, Chandrashekhar Patel, claimed that his son and the girl were in a relationship and alleged that the POCSO case was registered after the girl's family approached the police.

He further alleged that his son had been under severe emotional stress since the criminal case was registered and his subsequent placement in the juvenile home.

Police have recorded the family's statements and said all claims will be verified during the investigation.

Minor Had Reportedly Skipped Dinner

According to the preliminary inquiry, the juvenile had refused to eat dinner on Monday night despite being persuaded by staff members.

Officials said that sometime later, he was found hanging inside his room.

Police are now attempting to establish his mental state prior to the incident by examining statements from staff members, fellow inmates and family members.

Investigation Continues

Authorities have informed the family about the incident, while the post-mortem examination has been completed.

Police said the investigation will consider all aspects of the case, including the circumstances inside the observation home, the deceased's psychological condition, and whether established protocols were followed by the institution.

Officials stated that further action will be taken after the post-mortem report and other forensic evidence are examined.

As the case involves minors and an alleged offence under the POCSO Act, the identities of the victim and other protected individuals have not been disclosed in accordance with legal provisions.

A juvenile lodged at the Rewa Observation Home allegedly died by suicide late Monday night, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The boy had been admitted to the facility just a week earlier following a court order in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

According to police, the deceased has been identified as Abhishek Patel, a resident of Amiliya police station area in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district. He had been sent to the juvenile facility after being produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in a POCSO-related case.

Body Found Late at Night

Officials said staff members at the Observation Home discovered the juvenile hanging inside the premises late on Monday night. The incident immediately triggered panic, following which police and senior officials were informed.

A police team reached the spot, conducted a preliminary investigation, and sent the body for post-mortem examination. Authorities have registered a case and initiated further inquiries.

Probe Underway

Home Guard personnel posted at the Observation Home confirmed that the juvenile was found hanging, but the exact reason behind the alleged suicide remains unknown.

Investigators are examining all possible angles, including the conditions inside the institution, the juvenile's mental state, and whether there were any lapses in supervision or security. Statements of staff members and other juveniles housed at the facility are also expected to be recorded as part of the investigation.

Family Informed

Police have informed the deceased's family about the incident. Officials said further legal action will depend on the post-mortem findings and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

The incident has once again brought attention to mental health support, counselling mechanisms, and safety protocols inside juvenile observation homes, particularly for children facing criminal proceedings.

Authorities have maintained that the cause of death will be established only after forensic and medical reports are received.

A 34-year-old man has been arrested in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl over multiple days inside an under-construction building near the Women's Police Station. The accused was caught by local residents after the girl raised an alarm during an alleged third assault attempt.

Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused is currently in police custody.

Victim Raised Alarm During Alleged Third Assault

According to police and preliminary information, the teenage girl, who reportedly survives by begging and often stayed with her mother at the unfinished building, was allegedly assaulted by the accused after he befriended her.

Investigators said the accused allegedly threatened the girl with dire consequences if she disclosed the incidents. On the third alleged attempt, the girl resisted and screamed for help, drawing the attention of people nearby.

Local residents rushed to the spot, overpowered the accused and later handed him over to the Women's Police Station.

Police Register POCSO Case

Based on the survivor's statement, police registered a case against the accused under the POCSO Act and other applicable provisions related to sexual assault.

Officials confirmed that the accused has been arrested and that further investigation is underway.

The identity of the survivor has not been disclosed in accordance with legal provisions protecting the privacy of minors in sexual offence cases.

Incident Spot Under Scrutiny

The alleged crime took place inside an under-construction Congress building located on Darogapara Road, close to the Women's Police Station.

According to local residents, the partially constructed structure has remained vacant for several years and is frequently used as temporary shelter by homeless people, waste pickers and individuals who survive by begging.

The incident has raised concerns over the security of abandoned and unfinished structures located in urban areas.

Residents Intervened Before Police Arrival

Witnesses said residents reached the building after hearing the girl's cries for help and restrained the accused before informing police.

Videos circulating on social media reportedly show the accused being assaulted by members of the public before he was taken to the police station. Authorities have not commented on the viral footage.

Police have appealed to the public to allow legal authorities to handle criminal cases through due process.

Investigation Continues

Investigators are collecting evidence, recording witness statements and conducting medical and forensic procedures as part of the investigation.

Police said the case is being treated with priority due to the survivor being a minor. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

A missing person case in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior has taken an unexpected turn after a girl, initially reported by her family as a 19-year-old adult, was found to be a minor following her recovery from Noida. Verification of official documents revealed that the girl is only 17 years old, leading to the exposure of an alleged child marriage and prompting the High Court to order legal action against those responsible.

The incident pertains to the Bahodapur police station area, where the girl's father lodged a missing person complaint on June 12, claiming that his 19-year-old daughter had disappeared from their residence in Sagartal Phase-2. Based on the complaint, police registered a missing report and launched a search operation.

Using surveillance inputs and technical evidence, the police traced the girl to Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) in Uttar Pradesh. She was found in the company of a local youth identified as Kishan Khatik, a resident of Bahodapur. The accused was taken into custody and brought back to Gwalior along with the girl.

The case witnessed a major development during court proceedings when authorities verified the girl's educational records and birth certificate. The documents established that she was only 17 years old, making her a minor under the law. This revelation significantly altered the legal nature of the investigation.

During counselling, the girl reportedly told authorities that her father had arranged her marriage against her wishes while she was still underage. She further stated that she did not want to live with her husband or in-laws, which led her to leave home with her neighbour, Kishan Khatik.

Earlier, the girl's father had approached the High Court by filing a habeas corpus petition, alleging police negligence in tracing his daughter. However, after the girl's recovery and the disclosure regarding her age and alleged child marriage, the court directed Bahodapur police to register an FIR against all those involved in solemnising the child marriage within 15 days.

Police have already registered a case against Kishan Khatik under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was produced before a court and has been sent to judicial custody.

Meanwhile, investigators have widened the scope of the probe. The girl's parents, her alleged husband, in-laws and any other individuals involved in facilitating or conducting the child marriage are now under investigation. Separate criminal proceedings are expected under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Bahodapur Station House Officer Alok Parihar confirmed that the recovered girl was found to be a minor based on official documents. He said the investigation had established evidence of child marriage and that further legal action would be taken in compliance with the High Court's directions.

The case has once again highlighted concerns over child marriage and the importance of age verification during police investigations. Authorities are expected to complete the investigation and initiate action against all those found responsible under the relevant provisions of law.

According to reports, this marks the third instance of sexual assault reported across the state within a span of just 36 hours, sparking widespread outrage and political debate over public safety.

Swift Action by Local Police

The horrific crime came to light on Tuesday after the victim’s mother, a native of the Raipur district in Chhattisgarh, lodged a formal complaint with the Kendrapara Sadar police. The family, who sells brooms for a livelihood, had been living in a temporary roadside tent along the Kendrapara-Chandabali state highway for the last three months.

According to the complaint, the minor girl had gone out to answer nature's call late at night when two intoxicated men forcefully dragged her to a secluded nearby field. The miscreants allegedly gangraped her at knifepoint and assaulted her when she attempted to resist. Before fleeing, they threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident to anyone.

Following the complaint, the police administration swung into action. Kendrapara SP Sidhartha Kataria confirmed that a case has been registered under sections 70, 76, 115(2), and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012. A scientific team was deployed to examine the crime scene, and the minor’s statement was recorded under section 180 of the BNSS. Utilizing CCTV footage from the surrounding areas, the police have detained two suspects, aged 30 and 34, who are currently undergoing interrogation.

Political Backlash Over Public Safety

The incident has triggered intense political friction in the state, with opposition parties launching sharp criticisms against the ruling administration.

Ganeswar Behera, the BJD MLA from Kendrapara, expressed deep shock over the audacity of the crime, stating that a sexual assault occurring so close to the district's top police office points to a "complete collapse of public safety." He alleged that the BJP-led state government has failed to protect women and children despite making it a cornerstone of their election campaign. Echoing these concerns, Debasmita Sharma, the President of the Congress district unit, stated that the incident exposes an alarming deterioration of law and order.

In response, BJP district president Sasanka Sekhar Sethi dismissed the criticisms, emphasizing that the police acted with utmost urgency to nab the suspects. He accused the opposition of attempting to politicize a sensitive human tragedy. As the investigation progresses, the incident continues to dominate local headlines, raising urgent questions regarding the security of migrant workers and vulnerable communities.

In a significant order invoking its extraordinary powers, the Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of a man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, citing the couple’s subsequent marriage and the victim’s own request to quash the case.

The bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar used its authority under Article 142 of the Constitution to set aside the conviction and sentence, observing that the parties are now married and living together as husband and wife. The court emphasised that allowing them to lead a peaceful life was appropriate in the special circumstances of the case.

Special Circumstances Cited

The apex court noted that the victim, after attaining adulthood, had married the accused and approached the Supreme Court herself seeking to have his conviction and sentence set aside. The man had also paid ₹10 lakh as compensation to her. 

“Looking at the special circumstances of the case, we consider it appropriate to use our broad powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to overturn the appellant’s conviction and sentence,” the bench stated. The accused has been acquitted of the charge under Section 5(1) of the POCSO Act.

Background of the Case

The incident dates back to 2018 when the victim was a minor. According to the case details, she had been in a relationship with the accused. A trial court in 2019 sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment for offences under the POCSO Act involving physical relations with a minor.

The victim later married another man, but her husband abandoned her shortly after details of her past relationship surfaced. Following his release on bail, the accused reconnected with the victim. The two reconciled and solemnised their marriage in 2024.

High Court Proceedings

After the marriage, the woman moved the Madras High Court seeking to quash the proceedings and the sentence against her husband. While the High Court suspended the sentence, it rejected the plea to quash the conviction in 2021. The couple then approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s decision.

Victim’s Appeal Key to Ruling

Sources familiar with the matter said the victim’s consistent stand and her willingness to continue the relationship played a crucial role in the apex court’s decision. The court took into account that the couple had settled their differences and were leading a married life.

This development comes at a time when the judiciary has occasionally used Article 142 to do complete justice in cases involving unique humanitarian considerations, even as POCSO cases generally attract strict interpretation to protect minors.

Legal Experts React

Legal observers noted that while such orders are passed in exceptional situations, they do not dilute the overall protective intent of the POCSO Act. “Each case turns on its own facts,” one senior advocate remarked, requesting anonymity. “Here, the victim’s agency as an adult and the subsequent marriage appear to have weighed with the court.”

The ruling has drawn mixed reactions on social media, with some welcoming the pragmatic approach while others expressed concern over its implications for similar cases involving minors.

What Lies Ahead

With the conviction quashed, the couple can now move forward without legal overhang. The order is expected to bring closure to a case that has spanned several years across trial and appellate courts.

The Supreme Court’s intervention in this matter once again highlights the tension between the stringent provisions of protective laws and the realities of individual lives, especially when the primary stakeholder—the victim—seeks reconciliation.

Balco Nagar Police Crack Down on Sexual Exploitation of 17-Year-Old

In a disturbing case highlighting the misuse of mobile phones in personal relationships, police in Korba have arrested 10 people, including a 30-year-old man, for allegedly creating and circulating an explicit video of his minor girlfriend to blackmail her. The arrests followed a complaint by the girl's brother after she faced repeated harassment and pressure for sexual favours from the accused.

According to police, the main accused, Hori Lal Chauhan, a daily wage labourer, was in a relationship with the 17-year-old girl for nearly two years. Both hail from the same village in the Balco Nagar police station area. The girl had dropped out after Class 10. What began as a personal affair took a dark turn when Chauhan allegedly recorded intimate videos of the girl without her full consent.

Video Shared Among Friends

Initial investigations suggest Chauhan showed the explicit clips to his friends, who are also labourers in the area. Instead of keeping the matter private, the friends reportedly developed ill intentions. They began making obscene gestures at the girl whenever they saw her and started pressuring her for physical relations.

The situation escalated when the group allegedly resorted to blackmail. Sources familiar with the probe said the accused threatened to make the video viral if she refused their demands. The girl, feeling trapped and harassed, finally confided in her brother. The siblings then approached the Balco Nagar police station and lodged a formal complaint.

Swift Police Action

Acting promptly on the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for rape and blackmailing, along with stringent provisions of the POCSO Act, which protects children from sexual offences. Within hours, a team detained all 10 accused. 

“Initial reports indicate that the main accused and his associates were involved in this conspiracy,” a police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity. All the arrested individuals work as daily wage labourers in the region.

Accused Sent to Judicial Custody

After medical examination and preliminary questioning, the accused were produced before a local court. The magistrate remanded them to judicial custody and sent them to jail. Further investigation is underway to determine if the video was circulated beyond the immediate group and to trace any other potential victims or evidence. 

Police have also appealed to locals not to share such content, warning that doing so could attract additional legal action under IT laws.

Background and Growing Concern

This incident comes amid rising cases of digital exploitation involving minors in Chhattisgarh. In many rural and semi-urban pockets of the state, easy access to cheap smartphones has led to an increase in such privacy violations, especially in interpersonal relationships. Experts often point to lack of awareness about consent and digital safety as key factors.

The girl’s family has been provided counselling support, and authorities are ensuring her privacy and safety during the investigation. Child rights activists have welcomed the swift arrests but called for stronger community-level awareness drives.

Impact on Local Community

Residents in the Balco Nagar area expressed shock over the incident. Many parents voiced concerns about the safety of young girls in the region, especially as they navigate personal relationships in the digital age. Local officials indicated that awareness programmes on cyber safety and legal rights might be intensified in nearby villages.

The case also underscores the effectiveness of quick police response when POCSO matters are reported promptly. Senior police officers have assured that the investigation will be thorough and that no stone will be left unturned to deliver justice.

As the probe continues, authorities are examining the sequence of events, including how and when the video was recorded and shared. Legal experts note that convictions in such POCSO-linked blackmail cases often result in stringent punishments.

A 12-year-old girl was allegedly sold by her own mother and stepfather for Rs 12 lakh in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, with police confirming the child was subsequently raped by at least three men over several months before the case came to light through counselling.

A Family That Failed Her

The sequence of events began in January 2025 when the victim's biological father died due to excessive alcohol consumption, leaving the family without support. Within months, her mother remarried a man identified as Pawan alias Paramal Gurjar, a resident of Laharca Chak in Guna district.

After the second marriage, Pawan brought the girl and her mother to Rajgarh. According to investigators, it was here that the criminal conspiracy took shape — the child was treated not as a family member but as a commodity.

Forced into Marriage at 12

On 3 February 2025, the minor was forcibly married off to 26-year-old Bhola alias Bholaram Gurjar. Police say the transaction involved Rs 8 lakh in cash and jewellery worth Rs 4 lakh — an outright case of child trafficking dressed up as matrimony.

The groom allegedly raped the girl on their wedding night. In the weeks that followed, her stepfather Pawan also sexually assaulted her multiple times. Threatened into silence, the child endured the abuse without telling anyone.

Abandoned, Exploited, Assaulted Again

Her ordeal did not end there. Pawan eventually abandoned the girl's mother and went absconding. The mother then contracted a third marriage in Rajasthan and left her daughter behind at the home of a woman named Shaitanbai in Rajgarh, where the child was made to do household work.

It was during this period that another accused, Devraj Gurjar, found an opportunity to sexually assault her.

How the Case Surfaced

The matter came to the notice of Kotwali police station in-charge Inspector Manju Makhenia. Acting on the information, authorities placed the girl in a safe environment and arranged counselling. Once she felt assured of protection, the child narrated her ordeal in detail — describing months of physical, mental, and sexual abuse carried out under constant threats and intimidation.

"She had been living under fear for a long time. The counselling gave her the confidence to speak," a police official said.

Five Arrested, Mastermind Still at Large

An FIR bearing crime number 350/2026 has been registered at Kotwali police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Five of the six accused have been arrested: Bhola alias Bholaram Gurjar, Devraj Gurjar, Sagar Gurjar, Shaitanbai, and the victim's mother. The prime accused, Pawan alias Paramal Gurjar, remains at large. Police have announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to his arrest and are conducting raids at multiple locations.

Child Marriage Still Happening in Shadows

Despite laws being in place for nearly five decades, child marriages continue to occur across India — not in public ceremony but in secrecy, often in agricultural fields, away from any gathering or decoration. The Prevention of Child Marriage Act was enacted in 2006 with strengthened provisions, following the 1978 amendment that raised the legal marriage age for girls to 18. Yet cases like this one reveal how legislation alone cannot protect a child when her own family becomes the instrument of exploitation.

The Rajgarh case is a stark reminder that trafficking does not always happen at borders or in distant cities. Sometimes it happens within the home.

Datia Minor Rape Case: Accused Booked for Repeated Assault on 17-Year-Old

Datia (Madhya Pradesh): Police in Datia district have registered a case against a man accused of raping a 17-year-old girl twice, using morphed photographs and videos to blackmail her and issuing death threats to her family.

The incidents came to light late on Thursday night when the minor, accompanied by her parents, reached Basai police station and lodged a complaint. Police have booked the accused, identified as Veeru Ahirwar, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Teams have been formed to trace and arrest him.

First Assault in Fields

According to the complaint, the first incident occurred nearly two months ago. The girl was on her way to the fields in the afternoon when the accused allegedly approached her from behind on a secluded path. He overpowered her, dragged her into nearby bushes, and assaulted her. 

When she resisted, he allegedly slapped her and threatened to kill both her and her father. The accused also captured photographs and videos of the act on his mobile phone. Fearing social stigma and the threats, the teenager chose to remain silent at the time.

Second Incident on May 18

The nightmare continued on May 18. The girl alleged that Veeru Ahirwar stopped her again on a village path and, using the previously recorded photos and videos as leverage, threatened to make them viral if she did not comply. He then allegedly raped her for the second time.

Even after the second assault, the girl initially hesitated to speak out due to continuous threats from the accused. Sources familiar with the case said the family faced immense pressure and fear of reputational damage in the close-knit rural community.

Family Breaks Silence

The situation escalated when the accused reportedly continued issuing threats to the family, including dire warnings against the girl’s father. This persistent intimidation finally compelled the minor to confide in her parents. On Thursday evening, the family decided to approach the police.

“Initial reports indicate that the family had been living in fear for weeks,” a police officer said, requesting anonymity. The complaint was formally registered late Thursday night at Basai police station.

Police Action Underway

Datia police have taken the matter seriously given the minor’s age and the repeated nature of the crime. A senior officer confirmed that multiple teams are actively searching for Veeru Ahirwar. “We have registered the case and are investigating all angles. The accused will be arrested soon,” the officer added.

Forensic and medical examination of the victim has been initiated as per protocol in POCSO cases. Police are also examining the mobile phone records and any possible digital evidence related to the alleged blackmail material.

Impact on Local Community

The case has sent ripples of concern through the villages under Basai police station limits. Residents expressed shock over the repeated assaults and the use of digital blackmail, a growing concern in rural areas with increasing mobile phone penetration.

Women’s rights activists in the region have called for swift action and better safety measures for girls traveling on isolated paths, especially in agricultural areas. Such incidents often highlight the vulnerabilities faced by young girls in parts of Madhya Pradesh despite various government schemes for women’s safety.

Background and Similar Cases

Datia, located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh, has witnessed occasional reports of crimes against women, though officials maintain that the overall law and order situation remains under control. The district administration has in the past run awareness campaigns regarding POCSO and cyber blackmail.

This case once again brings into focus the challenges of timely reporting in sexual assault cases involving minors, where fear of social ostracization often delays justice.

Police have appealed to the public to provide any information regarding the whereabouts of the accused. They have assured complete protection to the victim and her family.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to update on further developments in the coming days. The minor is currently being provided necessary counselling and support through district authorities.

A special POCSO court in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district has sentenced a 24-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for abducting and repeatedly sexually assaulting a minor girl. The judgment was delivered by Special Judge Devendra Sahu after the court found the accused guilty under provisions related to rape and offences against children. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 6,000 on the convict. Officials said additional imprisonment would apply if the fine is not paid. The case was registered under the Kotra Road police station area and had drawn attention due to the manner in which the accused allegedly lured the victim.

Minor Went Missing From Home

According to prosecution records, the incident began on May 28, 2025, when the 16-year-old victim was staying at home with her grandmother while her parents had gone to attend the funeral of a relative. Police said the girl left home around 11:30 am after informing her grandmother that she was going to a nearby shop. However, she did not return, following which family members began searching for her. After repeated attempts failed, the family approached police authorities and a kidnapping case was registered. Investigators later launched a detailed search operation to trace the missing teenager.

Friendship Started Through Mobile

During investigation, police found that the accused, identified as Karan Dom, a resident of Patratoli in Jashpur district, had allegedly come into contact with the victim through a mobile phone conversation in 2024. Officials stated that the accused used an unknown number to communicate with the girl and gradually developed contact with her over time. According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly trapped the minor in a relationship by promising marriage and later convinced her to meet him outside her hometown.

Taken to Odisha and Kunkuri

Police investigation revealed that the accused first called the victim to Gerwani and then allegedly took her by bus to Kunkuri before travelling to Puri in Odisha. Prosecution officials told the court that the accused kept the girl confined in a house in Puri and repeatedly sexually assaulted her over a period of nearly five days. After staying in Odisha, the accused reportedly brought the victim back to Kunkuri in Chhattisgarh. The court observed that the victim was a minor and incapable of legally consenting to such acts.

Family Informed by Relative

According to the case details, on July 3, 2025, the accused and the victim reportedly reached the residence of the accused’s maternal uncle in Telain village. Police said the accused’s uncle later contacted the victim’s family and informed them about her whereabouts. Following the information, police teams immediately reached the location the next day and rescued the victim. Authorities simultaneously arrested the accused and initiated legal proceedings under the POCSO Act and other relevant sections of law.

Court Calls It Serious Crime

During the hearing, the special POCSO court observed that the accused knowingly abducted a minor girl and exploited her despite being aware of her age. The court noted that the accused not only misled the victim by promising marriage but also violated her dignity and personal safety through repeated sexual assault. Special Judge Devendra Sahu termed the offence serious in nature and held the accused guilty based on witness statements, evidence collected during investigation, and medical findings presented before the court.

Rigorous Punishment Awarded

The court sentenced the accused to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and also imposed a monetary penalty. Officials said the prosecution strongly argued the case and sought strict punishment considering the gravity of the offence and the age of the victim. The trial was conducted by Special Public Prosecutor Govind Narayan Dubey on behalf of the state government. Legal experts said the judgment reflects the strict approach adopted by courts in cases involving crimes against minors under the POCSO Act.

Police and Legal Action Praised

Authorities stated that coordinated efforts between investigators and prosecutors helped secure conviction in the case. Police officials said timely tracing of the victim and evidence collection played an important role during trial proceedings. The case has once again highlighted concerns related to online contact, grooming through mobile communication, and exploitation of minors through false promises. Officials appealed to parents and guardians to remain alert regarding unknown contacts and suspicious communication involving children and teenagers.

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