Hyderabad Gang Rape: MLA's Son, Nephew Arrested

The Hyderabad police detained the minor son of an AIMIM MLA in the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old. The case has made national headlines because of the alleged involvement of relatives of politicians. The MLA's nephew, also a minor, who had been at large so far, was nabbed as well.

In all, 6 people have been arrested - 5 of them minors. At a press meet, Hyderabad police commissioner C V Anand said the MLA's son has been booked under section 354 (assault or use of criminal force with intent to outrage a woman's modesty) of the IPC and POCSO Act, and not for gang rape. Anand said the Innova in which the crime happened was a government vehicle.

The 5 others have been charged under Section 376 (D) (gang rape), 354, 366 (kidnapping) POCSO Act, IT Act (for circulating videos with the survivor) and other relevant sections. "The accused who committed gang rape will be liable for severe punishment," the commissioner said.

Anand said the Innova in which the survivor was raped was a govt vehicle allotted to the father of one of the accused. He is a prominent leader who heads a key govt organization.

Deconstructing the events running up to the crime, Anand said that on May 28, the survivor along with 8th others left the pub premises around 5.43 pm in two different cars.

Asked why it took so long for officials to book the MLA's son, Anand said that they wanted to confirm all evidence with the statements of the survivor as well as consider various factors.