New Developments unfold in minor rape case, Delhi Govt Official’s Wife Sent to Jail

New Delhi, August 22, 2023: Following the arrest of a Delhi government official for allegedly raping and impregnating a minor, his wife, accused of administering abortion pills to the victim, has been sent to judicial custody, according to the police. The suspect, identified as Premoday Khakha, is set to appear in court on Tuesday.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), Sagar Singh Kalsi, confirmed that Seema Rani, the wife, was produced in court on Monday and subsequently sent to jail.

The minor victim has alleged that Premoday Khakha subjected her to multiple instances of rape between November 2020 and January 2021. The circumstances leading up to the incidents reveal that the minor had been brought to Khakha’s residence in Burari after her father’s demise due to Covid-19 in October 2020. The girl, who referred to Khakha as “Mama” (maternal uncle), was expected to live with Khakha’s children, offering solace after her tragic loss.

The police officer familiar with the case explained, “The girl has alleged that Khakha raped her multiple times between November 2020 and January 2021. Around February, she alleged that she got pregnant and informed Khakha’s wife Rani about it. The woman allegedly slapped her, threatened her, and gave her abortion pills to silence her.”

The victim disclosed the incidents during counselling sessions, which were initiated due to her anxiety attacks affecting her school studies. Following counselling, she reported the sexual assault allegations and subsequent abortion to the authorities on August 12.

A case involving charges of rape, molestation, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, causing hurt, causing miscarriage without consent, and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered at Burari police station on August 13.