Gujarat Girl Endures Abuse from Father and Neighbour, Two Arrested

A 16-year-old girl from Junagadh, Gujarat, has endured years of sexual abuse allegedly by her father, followed by assaults from a neighbour whom she confided in for help. The Junagadh Taluka police have arrested both men after the case was revealed by a team from the state’s 181 women’s helpline.

According to reports from local media, the abuse began approximately five years ago when the girl was just 11 years old. Her father, who worked at a factory in the local GIDC industrial estate, allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual assaults during this time. The girl lived with her father and her mother, who reportedly has learning difficulties, adding to her vulnerability.

Seeking to escape her traumatic home environment, the girl turned to a 49-year-old neighbour three months ago. Instead of providing the support she needed, he allegedly exploited her trust and raped her multiple times. Police sources indicate that the neighbour assaulted her three times within this short period.

In a disturbing twist, the neighbour is believed to have made an anonymous call to the 181 helpline, reporting the father’s crimes. This act appears to have been motivated by his desire to eliminate what he perceived as an obstacle to his access to the victim.

The intervention by the helpline team led to the girl being taken to the police station, where she received counselling. During this process, she bravely disclosed the full extent of her abuse, naming both her father and the neighbour as her attackers.

Following this revelation, Hitesh Dhandhaliya, the Deputy Superintendent of Police for Junagadh, confirmed the detentions of both suspects. He stated, “We have detained both the accused. The victim’s elder sister has been living at her maternal uncle’s house, while the younger girl was living with the family. The investigation is underway.”

This case highlights the grave issue of sexual abuse and the complexities surrounding it, particularly in vulnerable households. The authorities are now tasked with ensuring justice for the victim while navigating the challenging dynamics of her family situation. The investigation continues as the police gather further evidence and support the victim in her recovery process.