Three juveniles have been taken into custody in Gujarat’s Valsad district after a minor girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by them near a temple, police said. The incident has prompted fresh concerns over the safety of children who develop online friendships through social media platforms.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on the night of August 23 in the Tithal area of Valsad, near the Sai Baba Temple. The matter came to the attention of police after the girl’s mother approached Valsad City Police Station and filed a complaint.
Police said the girl had allegedly been communicating with one of the juveniles through Instagram for nearly two years. Investigators are examining the nature of their online contact and the circumstances that led to the girl meeting him in person.
Girl Allegedly Lured to Meeting Near Temple
During the preliminary investigation, police learned that the juvenile had asked the girl to meet him near the Sai Baba Temple on August 23.
The boy allegedly arrived at the location with another juvenile. After meeting the girl, the group reportedly moved away from the main area and went towards an isolated location behind the temple.
Investigators allege that a third juvenile was subsequently brought to the spot. The three then allegedly assaulted the girl.
Police are continuing to investigate the sequence of events and the individual roles of each accused.
Family Searches for Girl After She Fails to Return Home
The alleged incident came to light after the girl did not return home for several hours. Her family became concerned and began searching for her in the surrounding area.
Police said she was eventually located near Wadi at around 1.30 am.
After returning to her family, the girl reportedly revealed what had happened. Her mother then went to the police station, following which authorities registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other applicable legal provisions.
Three Juveniles Taken Into Custody
Police said the accused allegedly attempted to leave the area with the girl but abandoned her after noticing that family members and local residents were searching nearby.
The three juveniles were subsequently traced and taken into custody within hours after the complaint was registered.
They are being questioned as part of the investigation, while authorities are examining evidence and determining the further legal course of action.
Since the accused are juveniles, their identities have not been disclosed in accordance with legal protections applicable to minors.
Social Media Connection Under Police Scanner
The investigation has also drawn attention to the role of social media in the case. Police said the girl had known one of the accused through Instagram for around two years before the alleged meeting.
The incident has raised concerns among residents about the risks minors can face when online relationships lead to offline meetings, particularly when such meetings take place without the knowledge or supervision of family members.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case.
