Karnataka: Pregnant minor forced to marry rapist to avoid police case

Hassan: Arkalgud police along with child helpline staff on Tuesday rescued a minor girl who was forced to marry her rapist after she got pregnant in order to avoid a police case. In her statement, the 13-year-old victim who was produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) shortly after accused Sachin, 19, of raping her and threatening her with dire consequences if she told anyone of the incident. Her parents learnt about her pregnancy only when they took her to a doctor after she complained of stomach ache. Sachin and his family members persuaded the victims family not to lodge a police case and got them married in June. The victim further said that her in-laws attempted to murder her a couple of times. After getting a call from a villager about the girls plight, the child helpline staff swung into action and rescued her with the help of Arkalgud police. However, the accused is said to be absconding. The girl is now in a child home under the supervision of the CWC. Source: Udayavani