Ayodhya rape case: 12-year-old victim’s family agrees to abortion of her pregnancy

The girl was allegedly gang-raped by a bakery owner in Ayodhya, who is also a local Samajwadi Party leader, and his employee.

The girl is under the observation of expert doctors in a hospital in Lucknow, with round-the-clock monitoring. Measures have been taken to ensure her privacy.(Representational Photo)

The family of the 12-year-old, who was allegedly gang-raped by a bakery owner in Ayodhya and his employee, has consented to the termination of the victim’s pregnancy. The victim, who is 12 weeks pregnant, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Lucknow.

Sources, however, indicated that the medical team is likely to proceed with terminating the pregnancy after reviewing the victim’s medical report. The Ayodhya police, who are investigating the rape case, are planning to conduct a DNA test on the foetus to strengthen the case, they added.

“The girl was transferred to Lucknow on Monday for better treatment. She was escorted by a team of doctors,” said Sanjay Jain, Chief Medical Officer of Ayodhya.

Samajwadi Party local leader Moid Khan, 62, who runs the bakery and his employee were arrested on July 30 on allegations of raping the teenager, who used to work at the bakery, impregnating her and also filming the act.

“The girl’s family has given its consent, and now the doctors overseeing her care will decide the next steps for the abortion,” Jain mentioned.

The girl is under the observation of expert doctors in a hospital in Lucknow, with round-the-clock monitoring. Measures have been taken to ensure her privacy.

Ayodhya’s Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Chairperson Sarvesh Awasthi said that a female support person has been appointed to care for the victim. “The support person, appointed under the provisions of the Pocso Act, will stay with and support the victim,” said Awasthi.

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Awasthi mentioned that they are exploring ways to provide supportive assistance to the victim through state schemes.

The victim lives with her mother, elder brother, and sister. Her father passed away two years ago.

The police filed a rape case on July 29 after the doctors confirmed the girl, who had complained of stomach pain, was pregnant.

Last Friday, the rape victim’s mother met with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who assured her of all possible help and said that the properties of the accused would be investigated. Bikapur MLA Amit Singh Chauhan was also present at the meeting.

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Following the meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed officials to make special arrangements for the girl’s health and safety.

A day after the meeting, the Ayodhya district administration demolished the accused’s bakery, claiming it to be built illegally by levelling a pond. A detailed investigation is being conducted to gather details about other properties owned by the accused.

On Sunday, a three-member delegation of BJP leaders met with the rape survivor and her family members on Sunday. The meeting occurred a day after authorities demolished the bakery of Khan.

Samajwadi Party leader has demanded a DNA test to clear the picture of rape allegation, along with Rs 20 lakh in compensation to the victim.

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