Kalaburagi: Autorickshaw Driver Booked Under POCSO, Atrocities Act for Assaulting Minor

The Konchavaram police in Kalaburagi district have registered a case against an autorickshaw driver under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl. The accused has been identified as Fayaz, 33, a resident of Magdampur village in Chincholi taluk.

According to the police, the survivor, a minor, used to travel for daily wage work along with other labourers in the autorickshaw operated by the accused. The two reportedly became acquainted during these commutes, which ultimately led to the alleged crime.

The girl’s mother stated in her formal complaint that on August 5, the accused telephoned her daughter and asked her to meet him near the village gate. He then took her to Zaheerabad in Telangana in his autorickshaw. Later in the evening, he brought her to a room belonging to a friend. When the minor insisted on returning home that night, the accused allegedly threatened her with dire consequences and sexually assaulted her. The next morning, he dropped her off near Konchavaram village and fled the scene.

The matter came to light after the girl narrated her ordeal to relatives. Following this, her mother approached the police, leading to the registration of a case under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the POCSO Act, and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the absconding accused.

The POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, is a comprehensive legal framework designed to protect children from offences such as sexual assault, harassment, and pornography. It provides for stringent punishment for offenders and also mandates child-friendly procedures for reporting, recording of evidence, and trial. The SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, meanwhile, is intended to prevent the commission of offences against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and provide relief and rehabilitation to victims.

The registration of the case under the Atrocities Act suggests that the survivor belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community. However, authorities have not publicly disclosed the girl’s community identity in order to protect her privacy and dignity. The identity of sexual assault victims is also protected under Indian law.

A senior police officer from the Konchavaram police station stated that an investigation is underway and all efforts are being made to trace the accused. He appealed to the public to share any information that might help in the swift capture of the suspect.

This case highlights the vulnerability of young girls in rural areas, particularly those who travel for daily wage work. Officials have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour immediately. The police have assured that the survivor and her family will receive full legal support and protection.

The accused, who is believed to have fled to a neighbouring district, may face multiple charges, including kidnapping, criminal intimidation, sexual assault, and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act. If convicted, he could face a maximum punishment of life imprisonment under the POCSO Act and additional penalties under the Atrocities Act.

Meanwhile, women’s rights activists have called for a speedy trial and strict enforcement of the law in cases of sexual violence against minors. They have also stressed the need for community awareness to prevent such crimes and ensure that victims and their families are not stigmatized.

The investigation is still ongoing, and the police have not ruled out the possibility of more people being involved. A detailed forensic report and medical examination of the survivor are expected to be submitted to the court as evidence.