Four NEET aspirants accused of gang-raping a 16-year-old girl in Kota have been remanded in custody until March 1. The victim reported the incident on February 13, raising concerns about student safety in the city.
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Kota: A city renowned for its coaching institutes, a POCSO court has mandated judicial custody for four young men, accused of the gang rape of a minor girl, until March 1. This decision emphasizes the legal system’s commitment to addressing such grave offenses with the seriousness they warrant.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, involves four individuals, all of whom are students and NEET aspirants, highlighting the distressing fact that educational pursuit and criminal behavior have intersected in this case.
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The accused were presented in court with their identities concealed, reflecting the police’s effort to manage the sensitive nature of the case while adhering to legal protocols concerning the privacy of both the accused and the victim.
Public Prosecutor Vijay Kachawa of the POCSO court disclosed that the court’s decision was made on Friday, placing the accused, aged between 18 to 20 years, under judicial custody. The diversity of their origins, with two from Bihar and one each from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, paints a grim picture of how such incidents can involve individuals from varied backgrounds.
The arrest of these individuals came after a 16-year-old girl, also a NEET aspirant, bravely reported the crime. She alleged that the assault occurred on February 10 in the Landmark City area, a detail that adds to the gravity of the situation, considering the accused and the victim were acquainted through social media. This connection led to the fateful encounter, where what was supposed to be a meeting under innocent pretenses turned into a horrifying ordeal for the young girl.
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The police, while ensuring the arrest of the accused following the complaint filed on February 13, have been cautious in releasing details to the public. This approach is in line with the protective measures mandated by the POCSO Act, which prioritizes the confidentiality and safety of the minor involved. Despite the public’s demand for information, the authorities have remained steadfast in their commitment to these legal requirements, a stance that has been met with both understanding and frustration by different segments of the community.
The current investigation, spearheaded by Circle Officer DSP Khinv Singh, emphasizes the difficulties law enforcement encounters when dealing with crimes involving minors. Their focus remains on collecting evidence to ensure a fair trial.
This incident has triggered a wider conversation about the safety of students in Kota, a city that attracts many young aspirants from all over the country. It prompts concerns about the social atmosphere in educational hubs and the pressures that might contribute to such incidents.
