New Delhi: In a decisive move, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has suspended a government official of the Women and Child Development Department. The official is accused of raping his friend’s 14-year-old daughter over a period of several months, ultimately leading to her pregnancy. The Delhi Police raided the residence of the accused and arrested him.

The accused was identified as Premoday Khakha. The victim, a Class 12 student residing in Delhi, had been living with the accused and his family since her father’s unfortunate demise on October 1, 2020. The accused holds the position of a deputy director within the WCD department and he is the minor’s local guardian. The minor referred to him as “mama” (maternal uncle).

The victim had been allegedly raped by the accused several times between November 2020 and January 2021.

The FIR has been lodged against the accused and his wife for rape charges under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences). The wife is accused of administering drugs for terminating her pregnancy.

According to DCP North, Sagar Singh, a complaint was filed under the POCSO Act on the complaint of the victim. The girl was sexually harassed and in mental distress resulting in panic attacks. After the death of her father, she was residing with the accused and his family where she was raped multiple times. The girl’s statement will be formally recorded before a magistrate to ensure the legal process is followed while also safeguarding her identity.

She has panic attacks following sexual assault and the trauma and pain of undergoing the pregnancy termination by the accused and his wife. Her medical physical test has been carried out and a deep investigation is underway.

The names of the medical staff, who helped the victim in revealing her trauma, have been withheld to keep their identity secret.

The victim is recovering and still undergoing treatment, a police official informed. He further added that the application was forwarded to the court on the second day after the statement of the girl before the magistrate.

The Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, Swati Maliwal, responded to the situation by expressing concern over the accused not being arrested promptly. She highlighted the gravity of the case, emphasizing that an individual entrusted with a position of authority within the Women and Child Development Department has been implicated in such a horrific crime. Urging swift action, she underscored the imperative of ensuring the safety of girls and bringing the perpetrator to justice.