CHENNAI/THOOTHUKUDI:A 20-year-old girl staying with her aunt and undergoing treatment for mental health was allegedly raped by a youth in the neighbourhood on Tuesday evening.
The girl’s aunt preferred a complaint with the city police who registered a rape case against the youth, an employee at a small restaurant in New Washermanpet.
Police said Pradeep, the suspect, lured the girl to the terrace on Tuesday around 5 pm. He was caught in the act by the girl’s aunt who came there around that time. Pradeep jumped out of the terrace and fled when the elderly woman raised an alarm. Neighbours tried to nab him, but failed.
Police said Pradeep was a known face in the neighbourhood, staying in a bachelor accommodation in a one-room residence. The incident sparked a tension in the neighbourhood.
Speaking to Express, a senior police official privy to the investigation said that the complainant herself will become a witness in this case.
“We have located the youth, and are hoping to nab him in a day or two. The girl has been sent to Government Stanley Hospital for medical examination,” the official said.
10-yr Jail for Rape
A 33-year-old man was sentenced for 10 years by a Mahila Court in Thoothukudi, on Wednesday on charges of raping a minor girl, two years ago.
The accused was identified as Satheesh from Sivagnanapuram near Eppodumvenran.
On December 1, 2013, the 13-year-old victim, studying sixth standard, had taken goats for grazing in the morning and did not return even after long time.
When her mother went to check on her, she found the 13-year-old girl crying in the agricultural fields. When the mother enquired, the girl revealed that Satheesh had raped her.
Following this, a case was registered at Eppodumvenran police station and the accused was arrested.
When the case came up for hearing on Wednesday, mahila court judge Flora sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment and also imposed penalty of Rs 5,000.
The accused was then taken to central prison at Palayamkottai.