Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji
Panaji, Jun 12: A horrifying incident unfolded at a Calangute hotel where an invitation for Eid celebrations on Saturday turned into a nightmare for three minor girls, aged 11 to 15, including two sisters. They were allegedly raped by two men, aged 19 and 21. Goa Police have arrested both accused.
The hotel owner, Rajat Chauhan, a native of Haryana, was also apprehended for reportedly allowing the minors to stay without parental consent or verification, thereby facilitating the crime.
A few months prior, the 19-year-old accused befriended the 15-year-old girl on social media and began chatting with her. He invited her to celebrate Eid last week. The 15-year-old, described by cops as the 19-year-old accused's 'girlfriend', left her home on Saturday with her 13-year-old sister and an 11-year-old friend to meet him.
The prime accused and his 21-year-old friend booked a room at a Calangute hotel. They checked in with the three minors, intending to stay overnight and celebrate the 15-year-old girl's birthday with a cake. Subsequently, the prime accused allegedly raped his 'girlfriend', while his friend repeatedly raped the other two minors.
North Goa SP Rahul Gupta stated that police received a complaint from the 15-year-old girl’s family, reporting that the minor sisters had left home on Saturday and not returned. Simultaneously, the 11-year-old girl’s family filed a missing complaint, suspecting she had gone with the daughters of the first complainant.
SP Gupta elaborated, “After meticulous efforts and after developing the information through reliable human sources and technical sources, all three minor survivors were rescued from a hotel in Calangute. Two men present with them were apprehended and brought to the police station. During the inquiry at the hotel, it was revealed that the accused checked into two different hotel rooms.”
Goa police registered two separate FIRs in the case, leading to the arrest of both accused. Calangute police also booked hotel owner Chauhan and hotel manager/receptionist Mansoor Shafi Peer, a native of J&K, for allegedly abetting the crime.
SP Gupta announced, “We are sealing the hotel and moving for the cancellation of its licence.” He emphasized that hotel management and owners will face severe consequences if they provide rooms to children without the accompaniment of family or relatives. He warned, “This is in violation of Goa Children’s Act. If any such violation is noticed in the future too, strict action will be taken.”