8 ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AS 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL DIES BY SUICIDE

NB Gupta

BHIWANDI: Eight college students, including a girl, was arrested on Wednesday after a 17-year-old girl allegedly died by suicide in Kalyan (E) on Sunday, naming them in the suicide note.

The deceased was a Class 12 student who secured 71% in the exam results, declared last week. In the suicide note, the girl claimed that students sexually harassed her for over one-and-ahalf years.

Among those arrested is also the son of a well-known developer from Kalyan. The girl claimed that she was under immense stress due to the assault. The police arrested all the accused aged 18-21 years for abetment, sexual assault, and under the relevant sections of Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

During the investigation, police found a suicide note on her mobile phone in which she wrote about her ordeal.

The police said, “The victim was sexually assaulted by the seven accused, while the arrested girl, part of the group, allegedly helped the accused blackmail her, however, her role is still unclear. The victim was blackmailed with the video for over a year-and-a-half. Following post-mortem report, we will also add sections for rape if necessary.” They were all produced in Kalyan court and remanded to police custody for six days.

The victim’s parents claimed to be unaware of the matter. The girl’s mother said, “I was not able to do anything for my daughter and she is now no more. I should get justice for her. She never told us about the harassment.”

The victim’s father added, “I do not believe she died by suicide. These boys are neighbours and we should get security, as some of them are from wellknown families.”

(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to a mental health specialist.) Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050