Elopement angle to minor rape cases

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 20

The elopement of minor girls with their lovers has added another dimension to rape and abduction cases in the state. It has come to light that in many cases, minor girls in the age group of 13 to 18 years ran away with their lovers, indulged in consensual sex and when brought back home, their parents registered cases of rape and abduction under societal pressure.

The fact came to light during a review meeting held at the police headquarters here, as six cases of kidnapping were registered involving five minor girls and an 18-year-old. The analysis indicates that in most of the cases after the girl is rescued or she returns home, her parents are under societal pressure to file a police complaint to save the honour of their daughter as well as the family.

With 90 to 95 per cent population in the state being educated, such practices are surprising and there is a dire need to create awareness among girls and boys of the adolescent age on these subjects, said DGP Sanjay Kundu. He said it was a serious matter and it would be taken up with the government.