Palampur gangrape: Two minors arrested

Police on the lookout for three absconding accused

DHARAMSHALA: With the arrest of two minors in the Palampur gangrape, the Kangra police have claimed to solve the case, here on Saturday.

During a press conference held at Palampur, Kangra superintendent of police (SP), Santosh Patyal, said, “We have arrested two youths, both in their 17s, in connection with the gangrape.” The two accused youth belong to Dharet village near Parour where the crime was committed, said police.

“They are minors but we are getting their age verified and a medical examination is being conducted to ascertain their age,” said Patyal.the two accused will be formally arrested once their age is verified, said police.

Meanwhile, three more people wo are allegedly involved in the gangrape are absconding, said police. “Police teams have been formed to nab the trio,” said SP Patyal.

The Kangra superintendent of police said the trio, who are the main accused in the case, are adults and used to do menial jobs. “Only one of the three absconding accused has a criminal record,” said the SP, refusing to divulge further details of the case given that the investigation is in initial stage.

CASE HISTORY

A 15-year-old girl was allegedly gangraped by five persons in a forest near Parour, Palampur, Kangra. The incident allegedly took place on Thursday, police said.

“A Class-11 girl had gone to a temple located in the forest area with her male friend, where five unidentified men allegedly thrashed her friend and took turns to rape the victim,” said Santosh Patyal, Kangra superintendent of police (SP).

After returning home, the victim informed her family about the incident, following which her parents on Friday lodged a complaint at Palampur police station, said DSP Vikas Dhiman. Police launched a manhunt to nab the culprits. Medical report confirmed rape , said police.

› The two accused belong to Dharet village near Parour where the crime was committed. A medical examination is being conducted to verify the age of the duo. SANTOSH PATYAL, Kangra superintendent of police