Allegations Surface Against Deputy Director in Shocking Incident
Delhi, August 21, 2023: Delhi Police have made a significant arrest, taking into custody a senior government officer, Premoday Khakha, 51, for alleged sexual assault against a minor that resulted in pregnancy. Khakha's wife, Seema Rani, 50, has also been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The allegations date back to a deeply troubling incident that occurred two years ago when the minor, under Khakha's guardianship, was residing with his family following her father's unfortunate passing on October 1, 2020.
According to law enforcement officials, the alleged incidents of sexual assault occurred repeatedly between November 2020 and January 2021. Shockingly, it is alleged that Khakha's wife administered medication to the victim in an attempt to terminate the pregnancy.
The matter came to light recently when the young girl experienced a panic attack in August of this year. During counseling at St. Stephen's Hospital, she courageously disclosed the traumatic experience to hospital staff.
Promptly, the hospital authorities informed the Burari police station, leading to the registration of a case against Khakha. The charges include severe violations of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Khakha faces a range of charges, including Sections 376(2)(f) (rape by a person in a position of trust or authority), 509 (outraging the modesty of a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 313 (causing miscarriage without consent), and 120B (criminal conspiracy), in addition to provisions under the POCSO Act.
Despite the seriousness of these allegations, the survivor's statement has yet to be recorded before a magistrate, according to police sources. An ongoing medicolegal examination is being conducted, and the survivor is presently in the process of recovery.
In response to the incident, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal acted swiftly, suspending the senior officer on Monday morning. Kejriwal has also requested a comprehensive report on the matter from the chief secretary by 5 pm.
Meanwhile, Swati Maliwal, Chief of the Delhi Commission for Women, staged a protest at the hospital where the minor victim was admitted. Maliwal has voiced concerns about the transparency of the investigation and is demanding a meeting with the girl and her mother.
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| DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal outside the hospital where a minor who was allegedly raped by a Delhi government officer is admitted. Credit: PTI Photo |
In a statement, the Delhi government affirmed its commitment to women's safety and child protection, stating, "If he has committed any such reprehensible act, the sternest possible action should be taken against him."
However, the incident has also drawn political attention, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of a delayed response. BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj questioned the role of WCD minister Atishi and raised concerns about the accused officer's relationship with the AAP government.
As the investigation unfolds, these disturbing allegations continue to reverberate throughout Delhi's political and social landscape. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to protect the rights and well-being of women and children, even within the very departments tasked with their care and safety.
