Horror in Sri Ganganagar sparks outrage as police arrest 10, with more suspects sought under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.
In a case that has shocked Rajasthan and drawn widespread condemnation, a 13-year-old Class 8 student was allegedly abducted, sold, and subjected to repeated sexual assault by multiple men over four to five days in several hotels in Sri Ganganagar district.
According to police and the First Information Report (FIR), the girl went missing on June 18 after visiting a friend in Sri Vijaynagar. She reached Sri Ganganagar late in the evening and asked an e-rickshaw driver, identified as Ram Babu, for a ride home. Instead of taking her to her village, the driver allegedly took her to Hotel Joy Inn, where she was sold to the hotel owner and subsequently moved between multiple establishments, including at least four hotels.
The minor was reportedly held captive and assaulted by a large number of men-accounts vary between over a dozen and as many as 30-while being forced to consume alcohol to endure the ordeal. She was rescued by police on June 22 from Hotel Joy Inn following a missing person complaint filed by her family.
POCSO Case: 10 Held, Hunt for More Suspects:
Police have arrested 10 individuals so far, including the e-rickshaw driver Ram Babu, hotel owner Mayank Sain, managers Hardeep Nath and Sachin, and others identified as Mukesh Nath, Lalband Singla, Deepak, and Tarun. Five of the arrested are alleged to have directly participated in the assaults. Several suspects remain at large, and investigations are ongoing using mobile phone data, location records, and DVR footage seized from the hotels.
The case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to trafficking and gang rape. One hotel has been sealed, and authorities are examining the operations of other establishments amid reports of more than 150 illegal hotels in the area.
Protests Erupt Over Rajasthan Child Abuse Case:
The incident has triggered strong public anger in Sri Ganganagar. On Saturday, the District Congress Committee staged a protest, demanding strict action against all those involved, including hotel operators. Congress MLA Rupinder Singh Kunnar joined the demonstration and called for capital punishment for the perpetrators, while criticising the local police and administration for alleged lapses.
Senior Superintendent of Police Harishankar Yadav has prioritised the victim’s safety, medical care, and rehabilitation. A special team has been formed to analyse the hotel footage and trace additional accused.
This case highlights broader concerns over child safety, trafficking networks, and the proliferation of unregulated hospitality establishments in parts of Rajasthan. Rights groups and local residents have called for a crackdown on illegal hotels and stronger safeguards for minors.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the survivor and holding all enablers accountable. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.