19-year-old model gang-raped in moving car in Kochi, 4 nabbed

In Kerala’s Kochi, a 19-year-old model was allegedly gang-raped in a moving car late on Thursday night. The Ernakulam Police have detained three men and a woman in connection with the case.

The model was reportedly intoxicated after visiting a pub close to Cochin Shipyard. She was allegedly gang-raped on the way home after the accused offered to drop her off at her home in Kakkanad. Before abandoning her close to her home, the accused assaulted her inside the car as they drove through the city until late at night.

The victim is receiving treatment at Kalamassery Medical College. “There is medical evidence that she was injured. The men left the victim at Kakkanad after committing the crime ” said, a senior police official.

The incident was discovered after it was reported to the police by the private hospital where the victim had been admitted this morning by her roommate.

“There are four accused in this case, we have arrested three men and one woman and booked them under Section 370 of IPC. The accused woman is friends with the victim, who helped other accused. We’re awaiting medical reports to know if any drugs were given to the victim,” CH Nagaraju, CP, Kochi City, said.

 An FIR has been lodged under sections 370 and 376, but the accused has not yet been taken into custody.

Veena George, Minister of Health, Women, and Child Development, said that the incident of a girl being gang-raped in Kochi is shocking.

“The incident is strongly condemned. Strict action will be taken against the culprits. I have given directions to ensure adequate treatment for the girl,” the minister said.