Four arrested in Ahmedabad for assaulting teenager in Shahibaug housing society

Four young men residing in a Shahibaug housing society have been arrested on charges of gang-raping a 15-year-old girl from the same complex. The shocking incident, which occurred four months ago, only recently came to light after the victim confided in her family, leading to an FIR being filed under rape and atrocity charges.

The accused have been identified as Akshay aka Sendho Meheriya, Parth aka Bhotiyo Parmar, Avinash aka Pappu Parmar, and Dashrath Thakor. All were known to the minor, a school student. According to the complaint lodged at Shahibaug police station, one of the perpetrators lured the girl to his home under false pretences. Upon her arrival, his three accomplices were already present, and the group allegedly assaulted her before threatening her against disclosing the crime.

Following the assault, the victim reportedly became withdrawn, reclusive, and her school attendance suffered. It was during a family conversation that she disclosed her ordeal, prompting her relatives to contact the police. A senior officer from the Shahibaug station, speaking anonymously, stated, "The girl was too traumatised to speak earlier, but we are now ensuring she receives all necessary support."

Police swiftly registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rape, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. All four accused are now in custody, and the investigation has been transferred to the SC/ST Cell for a thorough probe. While no immediate details on the motive were available, sources suggest the assault was premeditated.

Adding to the gravity of the case, Akshay Meheriya, the prime accused, has a prior criminal record. He was recently released on bail in a bike theft case where he collaborated with a notorious figure known as ‘psycho killer’ Vipul Parmar, highlighting a pattern of criminal involvement within the group.