A major police investigation is underway in Zirakpur, Punjab, India, after a 16-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly abducted and gang-raped twice in two days. The attacks reportedly occurred after she repeatedly rejected a stalker's demands for a relationship.
First abduction and assault
According to a complaint filed by the girl's mother, the girl was stopped by three youths in a car at around 7:30 am local time on Thursday, August 6, while walking to school. When she resisted, the suspects allegedly placed a chemical-laced cloth over her mouth, causing her to lose consciousness.
The girl claimed that one of the perpetrators had been pressuring her into friendship. She was then allegedly taken to an undisclosed location and sexually assaulted. The Statesman reported that she was later left in an incapacitated state in Zirakpur, with death threats if she reported the crime.
Second abduction and assault
The following day, Friday, August 7, she was allegedly abducted again while travelling to school. She was reportedly further assaulted before being dropped off near a gift shop in the Baltana area of Zirakpur at around 5 pm local time.
Passersby helped the girl contact her mother, and her school confirmed she had been absent on both days. Investigators are said to be reviewing CCTV footage along the route from her home to school to identify the suspect vehicle and the three accused.
