UP Man Arrested for Abducting and Assaulting Minor Girl for Six Months

Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, February 3: In a shocking case that has stirred widespread outrage, police in Ballia district have arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting a minor girl over a period of nearly six months, officials said on Tuesday.

According to police reports, the victim, a Class 9 student from Ballia, came into contact with the accused, Rakesh Verma, a resident of Patna district in Bihar, through a mobile phone. Exploiting this contact, Verma allegedly lured the young girl and abducted her, taking her to Valsad in Gujarat, where she was reportedly raped repeatedly over several months.

The police were alerted after the girl’s disappearance was reported, leading to an intensive investigation that culminated in Verma’s arrest on Monday. He has since been sent to judicial custody, a senior police official confirmed.

Authorities have assured that the case is being handled with utmost seriousness, and further investigation is underway to apprehend any accomplices and ensure the girl receives proper medical and psychological support.

Child rights activists and legal experts have condemned the crime, calling for stricter monitoring of digital platforms and enhanced safeguards to protect minors from online predators. The incident underscores the increasing risks posed by social media and mobile communications, especially to vulnerable children.

This case has reignited discussions on child safety and the urgent need for awareness programs to prevent exploitation and trafficking of minors across the country. Police have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious interactions involving children.