Cop rapes 10-yr-old with her mother’s consent

A Madhya Pradesh police constable was arrested on Saturday on charges of raping a 10-year-old girl, allegedly with her mother’s consent, in Jabalpur district. The mother was also arrested, police said.

“According to the child’s account, it appears the accused constable sexually abused her repeatedly for nearly a year,” said a police officer. “The crime was reported on Saturday after the child gathered the courage to defy her mother and confide in her grandmother, who lodged a complaint with the police.”

The girl underwent a medical examination and the results are awaited, the officer added.

Police said the child’s father has a job that involves frequent travelling and he is often away from home. About a year-and-ahalf ago, he purchased a TV and a motorbike on instalment but his cheques bounced. This led to a warrant being issued in his name.

“According to the complainant, the accused went to his son’s home with the warrant. Later, he struck up a relationship with his wife and then targeted the child,” said the police officer. “The child told her grandmother that her mother used to lock her up with the accused in a room. The child also said the policeman used to beat her when she resisted.”.

The child’s grandparents have also informed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Jabalpur women’s empowerment officer Akhilesh Mishra said, “The child’s grandmother alerted us on Friday evening. It was hard to believe that the child’s mother had allowed a man to rape her. We immediately informed the police and registered the child’s statement. The girl is traumatised. However, she clearly told us what she had gone through.”

Jabalpur city superintendent of police Anju Lata Patle said, “The constable and the child’s mother have been charged under different sections of IPC and POCSO Act.” Police are waiting to record the statement of the child’s father.