Mukesh sharma

Kalimpong, April 10:

An incident of gang rape on a minor has been reported in Kalimpong today. As per the information received, 14 year old Rita (name changed) was allegedly raped by 24 year old, Karan Roka and 3 monks in between 9-10 p.m. on Tuesday night.

As per the incident, the victim, a resident of Elaichikhop was out in the market with her brother to buy medicines. After buying the medicines she met Roka, whom she knew from before. Her brother then left for home asking her to come along with Roka in his taxi, whom he thought to be a reliable person.  On the way home 3 more boys (the monks) got inside the taxi from a monastery at 10th Mile. Roka offered her for a brief ride around the town to which she accepted. However, taking opportunity of the night, Roka and the 3 accused took the taxi towards Durbin, 4 kms away from the town and raped her. It has been informed that Rita was also given some toxic substances on the way. After raping Rita, the 4 accused left her beside the road near her house where she lay screaming. The locals of the area hearing her screams reached the spot and identified her after which she was taken to Kalimpong Thana.

Rita was immediately forwarded to the Kalimpong Sub-Divisional Hospital for medical treatment. And in the meanwhile the Police set off a search operation to find the accused. Acting upon the information received from the victim, the Police under the lead of SI, Mainak Choudhary searched for a white Maruti van. They also enlisted all vehicle numbers and names of the drivers who run a white Maruti van. Thus, today morning Police apprehended Roka who happened to act innocent. However, during the course of investigation the Police was able to identify the other 3 accused as per information received from Roka. Samten Dhendup (21), Phurba Dorjee (20) and Dawa Dukpa (20) were arrested. It was learnt that these 3 are monks from Bhutan who are studying at a monastery at 10th Mile. They also accepted the crime. A case under section 376 IPC has been registered against them and they will be produced at the Court on Thursday.