Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A minor girl, the survivor in a high-profile rape and trafficking case, was found injured two days after escaping from a juvenile shelter home.
Police located her in a semi-conscious state with injuries on her face and body. After medical examination, she was handed over to her family. The victim had escaped for the fourth time, police claimed.
Besides being a victim, the girl is a key witness in a case involving the sexual exploitation of minors under the guise of event management and private dance parties.
Meanwhile, in a major development, police on Sunday arrested Mahi, an accused in the same case, from her home in Lalghati. Mahi, a dancer and event coordinator, had been absconding for several months. Investigations reveal she played a central role in luring girls into a sex racket disguised as an entertainment business.
Earlier, police had arrested event organiser Riya Yadav, garment trader Mukesh Balchandani, his associate Kapil, along with Naved Khan, his cousin Anas, and a self-styled sorcerer Hanif Shah, all charged with involvement in the minor’s sexual assault and trafficking.
Police are now probing the circumstances under which the girl went missing again and how she sustained injuries. Police suspect that the same criminal network may still be active and tracking the girl’s movements.
