Gorakhpur:
In a decisive move following a high-profile case involving the rape of a minor and her trafficking to multiple spa centres, six police officials in Gorakhpur have been suspended, and five station in-charges are under departmental inquiry. The action comes after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered strict measures against lapses in police handling of the case.
The incident involves a minor girl who was lured from her home on January 5 by a friend she met on Instagram. She was first taken to a hotel in Karimnagar, then to an unlicensed spa in Betiya Hata, and finally to a spa in Badhhalganj. During this period, the girl was reportedly psychologically manipulated and coerced by her boyfriend and spa operators. CCTV footage examined so far has not shown direct physical coercion, though investigations continue.
Police Action Against Officers
Gorakhpur SSP Rajkaran Nayyar ordered the suspension of the following officers:
- Fertilizer Police Post In-Charge: Prashant Pathak
- Betiyahata Police Post In-Charge: Amresh Singh
- Badhhalganj Town In-Charge: Rajiv Tiwari
- Unwal Police Post In-Charge: Aditya Upadhyay
- Vikas Nagar Police Post In-Charge: Anup Singh
- Former Gorakhnath Inspector: Shashibhushan Rai (placed under suspension after being previously attached elsewhere)
The SSP also directed departmental inquiries against all concerned officers for lapses in duty related to the case.
Court Proceedings and Investigation
The minor’s testimony has been recorded in court, naming several individuals involved. Following verification, police have renewed their crackdown on illegal spa centres and their operators. Investigations have also revealed a pattern of psychological manipulation, as the victim was transferred from one location to another under misleading pretences.
Authorities confirmed that five main accused, including the primary suspect, have been arrested, while others, including an associate of the hotel owner, have reportedly fled to Nepal.
Historical Context and Public Concern
A similar case had occurred on January 10, 2024, when a 12-year-old girl was lured to a hookah bar in Shahpur under similar circumstances. The incident reignited scrutiny over illegal spa and entertainment centres operating under the guise of legitimate businesses.
Officials say this is one of the largest actions against police personnel in Gorakhpur in recent years, following the Pipraich student murder case, where nine officers were put under inquiry. The suspensions and inquiries have caused significant upheaval within the police department.
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