Two men have been arrested in southern India over the alleged stalking, kidnapping and gang-rape of a 15-year-old girl. The suspects, both autorickshaw drivers, allegedly intercepted the teenager as she walked home from work and offered her a lift.
When she refused, they forced her into their vehicle and placed a blindfold on her to hide their identities and the route to their property, according to police. The girl was held captive at the residence, where she was subjected to sexual assault, authorities said.
Police response and arrests
The girl's family contacted police after her disappearance, and the alleged perpetrators were quickly apprehended. Officers in the Chandrayangutta neighbourhood registered cases under kidnapping and gang-rape, the Deccan Chronicle reports.
The victim's statement was taken by officers, and she was provided with specialist counselling following the alleged attack. The 15-year-old also received support from the Bharosa Centre, a service for women and children who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Court appearance and custody
The two men appeared before a local court before being remanded in judicial custody, local officials said. Chandrayangutta, in the Old City of Hyderabad in the state of Telangana, is a busy urban area known for its historic surroundings, including local shrines and ancient rocky geography.
