The Delhi Police last week arrested Premoday Khakha (51) in the matter, an official of the Delhi government’s Women and Child Development Department, for allegedly raping the minor over several months and impregnating her. The police had also arrested Khakha’s wife, Seema Rani (50), under the allegation that she gave abortion pills to the minor child. Both accused are presently in judicial custody until September 6.
The bench of Justice Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula, while taking suo motu cognizance, directed the Delhi Police to ensure the identity of the minor victim is protected and not revealed in any manner.
The Court also asked Delhi Police counsel about the action it has taken with regard to the girl’s disclosure that she was raped by some other people as well. The counsel representing Delhi Police then said they would investigate that aspect. After the court’s query, the Delhi Police counsel apprised the bench that the health condition of the child victim is still critical and that she suffered a seizure on Sunday.
Counsel representing the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) also apprised the court that the commission has also taken cognizance of the matter. Counsel for NCPCR said it will also file a response in the matter and further alleged that there have been certain anomalies in compliance with the rules.
Noting the submissions, the bench of the Delhi High Court said it would pass a detailed order.
While sending the accused into judicial custody, the trial court recently also called for the medical board examination report related to the vasectomy of alleged accused Premoday Khakha.
Advocate U S Gautam, Counsel for the accused, told the media that the court has called for the report of the medical board related to the vasectomy of Khakha. The lawyer also claimed that the allegations made against Premoday Khakha regarding the pregnancy of the victim are baseless.
He said the allegations against his client were false as the accused had a vasectomy done and all the other remaining tests, including the potency test, have also been completed by the police within 24 hours of arrest.
Earlier on Monday last week, Khakha, who was the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department of the Delhi government, was suspended.
Delhi Police last week lodged FIR under rape, molestation, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, causing hurt, causing miscarriage without consent, criminal conspiracy, common intention, and under the Pocso Act.
