Two separate incidences of sexual assault against minors have been reported in Sikkim, which is a concerning development. The incidents that took place in the areas of Namchi and Gyalshing shocked the population.
In the first case, a 10-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by the son of her mother and stepfather’s landlord in Namchi district. The victim, who used to visit her mother and stepfather during school holidays, revealed the ordeal to her teacher, who promptly filed a complaint at the Singtam Police Station. The case was then forwarded to the Temi Police Station, as the incident fell under their jurisdiction. The accused, who had offered the victim money to keep silent, has been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing
In another incident, a 13-year-old boy has been arrested for separately raping two minor girls, aged 5 and 9 years, in Gyalshing, West Sikkim. The case came to light when the principal of the school where the victim was studying filed a complaint at the Jorethang Police Station. The accused, who is alleged to have shown his genitalia to the victim and told her that he would marry her once she grew up, has been booked under the POCSO Act 2012
The authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators, and the victims will receive all necessary support and counselling. The incidents have once again highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness and stricter measures to protect children from sexual predators.
