Dalit Girl Gang-Raped on Way to School in Uttar Pradesh: Police Arrest Three Including a Minor
May 17, 2025, Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh – In a deeply disturbing incident, a 14-year-old Dalit schoolgirl was allegedly gang-raped by three youths, including a minor, while she was on her way to school on the morning of May 16. The case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stringent action and justice for the victims of caste- and gender-based violence.
The Incident: A Planned Assault
According to the police, the young survivor, a Class X student, left her home on Friday morning to attend school as usual. Unbeknownst to her, what should have been a routine walk turned into a nightmare. A 15-year-old boy, known to the girl and now one of the accused, intercepted her and offered to drop her at school in a car.
Trusting him, she got into the vehicle. However, the situation quickly escalated. Midway through the journey, the car stopped, and two other youths—identified as Pradeep (18) and Saurabh (18)—entered the vehicle. The trio then took her to a secluded room. There, in a horrifying sequence of events, the girl was tied up, gagged, and gang-raped. She lost consciousness during the ordeal.
Upon regaining consciousness nearly an hour later, the girl found herself alone. The assailants had fled the scene. Despite the trauma, the survivor managed to call for help. She first informed her aunt, who then alerted other family members.
Police Action and Case Registration
The survivor’s mother lodged an FIR soon after the incident came to light. Sultanpur Police swiftly registered a case under several stringent provisions, including:
- Section 70(1) – Gang rape (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita)
- Section 110 – Attempt to commit culpable homicide
- Section 115(2) – Voluntarily causing hurt
- Section 352 – Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
- POCSO Act – Pertaining to crimes against minors
- SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act – As the survivor belongs to a Scheduled Caste
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akhand Pratap Singh, two of the accused—Pradeep and Saurabh—were arrested on Friday itself and have been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. The third accused, a minor, has been detained and is currently undergoing questioning under the provisions applicable to juveniles.
Investigation Findings and Digital Trail
The police investigation has revealed that the crime was not entirely spontaneous. One of the accused had reached out to the girl via Instagram just a day before the incident. The digital trail, including chats and call records, has been retrieved and is being analyzed for further evidence.
Authorities have also conducted a forensic examination of the crime scene and the vehicle used. Medical reports of the survivor have confirmed sexual assault. The case has now been transferred to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a thorough and time-bound investigation.
Public Reaction and Political Response
The heinous nature of the crime and the fact that the victim belongs to a marginalized community has led to widespread anger. Dalit rights organizations and women's groups have condemned the incident and called for the immediate implementation of fast-track court proceedings.
Several political leaders have expressed outrage and have demanded strict punishment for the accused. A local MLA visited the survivor’s family and assured all possible assistance, including legal aid and psychological counseling.
Current Status
As of May 19, 2025:
- Two of the three accused are in judicial custody.
- The third accused (a minor) is in protective juvenile detention.
- The survivor has undergone medical examination and given her statement.
- Police are preparing the charge sheet to be submitted within 15 days as per POCSO guidelines.
- The case has been fast-tracked, and preliminary hearings are expected to begin within the week.
Conclusion
This appalling incident serves as a grim reminder of the dual vulnerabilities—of being a girl and belonging to a marginalized community—that many in India still face daily. It highlights the need for systemic reforms, better safety mechanisms for school-going girls, and a renewed focus on digital safety, especially when minors are using social media platforms like Instagram.
As the legal process unfolds, the public watches closely, hoping for a swift and just resolution—not just for the survivor, but as a deterrent against such brutal crimes in the future.
