The police in Wangdue Phodrang arrested a man for the alleged rape of an eight-year-old girl in Wangdue, yesterday. The child, studying in one of the schools in Wangdue, was returning home alone in the afternoon when the incident happened.
According to sources, the 22-year-old suspect left the child in an isolated place after raping her. Villagers working in the fields reportedly saw the girl in pain later, and her parents were informed. The police were alerted by the school after the parents informed the school about the incident. The suspect was arrested in the evening.
Police said the suspect confessed to the crime in his statement. Police are also urging all the school managements and parents to coordinate in sending and picking their children to/from school. They are asked to refrain from sending children alone.
Police said the child is currently under observation in the hospital and is in stable condition. The councillors of RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women) were also alerted for necessary counselling.
According to the Penal Code, rape of a child below twelve years is a statutory rape with a minimum prison term of 15 years to life.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam
