The family of a 12-year-old girl raped allegedly by a local Samajwadi Party (SP) member and his employee in Ayodhya has given consent to terminate her pregnancy. The girl is 12 weeks pregnant and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Lucknow.
Police, meanwhile, are planning to conduct a DNA test “to strengthen the case” against the two arrested accused.
“The girl’s family has given consent (to terminate the pregnancy), and now the doctors overseeing her care will decide the next steps for the abortion. She was transferred to a Lucknow hospital on Monday for better treatment. She was escorted by a team of doctors,” said Sanjay Jain, Chief Medical Officer of Ayodhya.
The uncle of the girl told The Indian Express that the decision to transfer her to a hospital in Lucknow was taken by the doctors at Ayodhya. “Regarding the decision about the abortion, it was made by her mother and siblings. No other family members were aware of it. Police have been deployed at the house for their security,” the uncle said.
Child Welfare Committee (Ayodhya) chairperson Sarvesh Awasthi said that a woman aide has been appointed to take care of the girl. “The support person, appointed under the provisions of the POCSO Act, will stay with and support the girl,” said Awasthi, adding that the administration is exploring ways to provide supportive assistance to the
12-year-old and her family through state schemes.
The girl lives with her mother and siblings. Her father died a few years ago.
On July 29, a rape case was filed against a bakery owner and Samajwadi Party member Moid Khan, 65, and his 22-year-old employee Raju Khan for allegedly raping the girl and recording the act two months ago. The incident came to light when the girl was taken to a hospital after she complained of stomach pain. The doctors there confirmed that she was pregnant.
On July 30, both the accused were arrested and sent to jail.
“The investigation is going on. We are prepared to conduct DNA tests to strengthen the case against the accused,” said a senior police officer.
The Opposition Samajwadi Party, which is being targeted by the ruling BJP over the issue, has been demanding a DNA test “to clear the picture” of the rape charge. The SP has also demanded Rs 20 lakh compensation for the girl and her family. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said the BJP was using the case to “defame” his party ahead of the Assembly bypolls in the state.
Last Friday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met the girl’s mother in Lucknow and assured her of all possible help. On Saturday, the Ayodhya district administration demolished the bakery owned by the accused, saying that it was built illegally on a pond.
On Sunday, a three-member delegation of BJP leaders met the girl and her family members.
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