Two tribal girls including a 17-year-old were sexually assaulted in Jobat, located in the Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The incident transpired on the afternoon of 30th November when they were lured to a residence under the guise of employment. The accused have been identified as Ahmed Sheikh, Amjad Khatri and Imran Yakub, all residents of Jobat. They have been arrested.
The victims arrived at Ahmed’s residence located on Gurunanak Marg in Ward 11. They were trapped in the name of offering labour work. The minor girl stated that she was forced to convert her religion and even enter into marriage. The perpetrators told her that afterward she would not have to work anymore.
She disclosed that they thrashed her when she resisted and Imran then proceeded to rape her. People who were nearby gathered at the site upon hearing her screams. The pair was even threatened and intimated by the Muslim men when they protested.
Several women from the neighbourhood became aware of the situation and, together with others, reached the scene to safely rescue the young women. The authorities were then notified and the victims were transported to the police station.
A case has been filed under multiple provisions of the SC/ST Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Freedom of Religion Act. According to the police, POCSO Act has been invoked since of the two girls is underage. The Alirajpur police have assured that strict action would be taken against the trio.
Afterward, many women from the locality also visited the police station and presented written requests to the station in-charge, urging for severe measures against the perpetrators.