Uttarakhand: All five accused in Dehradun minor gang rape case arrested

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the heinous gang rape of a minor at the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, the police announced on Sunday that they have successfully apprehended all five suspects linked to the case. The arrests mark a crucial step forward in the pursuit of justice for the victim.

Ajay Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Dehradun, confirmed the arrests and revealed that a case has been registered at the Patel Nagar Police Station under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The police are currently focused on gathering substantial evidence to build a strong case against the accused.

SSP Singh also issued a stern directive to both the media and the public regarding the dissemination of information about the case. He emphasized that only official press releases issued by the police should be considered authorized and published. This cautionary measure is aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and protecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

“Only the official press releases issued by the police regarding this incident should be considered authorized and published. Anyone who broadcasts or publishes news related to the incident without official information or confirmation will be held responsible,” SSP Singh asserted.

He further underscored the importance of adhering to Section 23 of the POCSO Act, which prohibits media entities from reporting or commenting on matters involving a child in a manner that could harm the child’s reputation or invade their privacy. This legal provision mandates that any reporting must be based on complete and authenticated information to avoid causing further trauma to the victim or influencing the legal process.

SSP Singh warned that if any unverified or unofficial information is published or broadcast regarding the case, those responsible could face legal consequences under Section 23 of the POCSO Act. The police remain vigilant in ensuring that the case is handled with the utmost care, and that justice is served while safeguarding the rights and dignity of the minor victim.

This case has drawn significant public attention, and the authorities are keen to ensure that the investigation proceeds without any hindrance or undue influence. The arrests of the suspects bring some relief, but the road to justice remains long, and the Dehradun police are committed to seeing it through.