Two women held in Rajkot for forcing minor girl into prostitution

Rajkot: A 12-year-old girl was allegedly lured with the promise of catering work and forced into prostitution for four days in Rajkot, police said. The Aji Dam police have arrested two women in connection with the case and registered an FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant sections.

According to the complaint, the minor was allegedly taken by her neighbour, Rekhaben Sagathiya, to a house in the Manda Dungar area on September 11 on the pretext of catering work. Police said Sagathiya and her friend, Alpaben alias Bhuriben Galchar, allegedly kept the girl at the house for four days and forced her into sexual activity with different men. The accused allegedly collected money from the men and gave the minor ₹500.

The incident came to light on September 14 after another neighbour alerted the girl’s mother that the child was not at her grandmother’s house and had been taken elsewhere. The girl’s parents, who work as labourers, searched for her but were unable to trace her. The accused, however, later brought the girl home.

The girl’s mother then questioned Sagathiya about where she had taken her daughter. The woman allegedly told her that she had taken the girl for catering work and had given her ₹500 in cash. When the mother asked for the caterer’s contact number, Sagathiya allegedly refused to provide it and left.

When the parents questioned their daughter, the girl broke down and narrated the alleged ordeal. Police subsequently recorded her statement and sent her for a medical examination.

Both women were arrested following the complaint. Police are investigating the circumstances of the alleged crime and the possible involvement of other persons.

DeshGujarat