A Madhya Pradesh police constable was arrested on Saturday on charges of raping a 10-year-old girl, allegedly with her mother’s consent, in Jabalpur district. The child’s mother was also arrested, police said.
“According to the child’s account, it appears the accused constable sexually abused her repeatedly for nearly a year,” said a police officer associated with the case. “The crime was reported Saturday after the child gathered the courage to defy her mother and confide in her grandmother, who lodged a complaint with the police.”
The girl underwent a medical examination and the results are awaited, the officer added.
Police said the child’s father has a job that involves frequent travelling and he is often away from home. About a year-and-a-half ago, he purchased a TV and a motorbike on installment but his cheques bounced. This led to a warrant being issued in his name.
“According to the complainant, the accused constable went to her son’s home with the warrant. Later, he struck up a relationship with his wife and then targeted the child,” said the police officer.
“The child told her grandmother that her mother used to lock her up with the accused constable in a room. The child also said the policeman used to beat her when she resisted the abuse,” the officer added.
The child’s grandparents have also informed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) about the abuse.