New Delhi: She once called him ‘MAMA’ and respected him as if he were her father. However, the very same man ended up betraying her trust by committing a heinous act. A Delhi officer has been arrested for allegedly raping a teenage girl, and he and his wife are accused of coercing her into undergoing an abortion. The officer, identified as Premoday Khakha, holds the position of deputy director within the Women and Child Development department, and his wife, Seema Rani, is also a government employee.
The victim, who is the daughter of a family friend of the Khakhas, had been living with them since her father’s demise in 2020. The alleged incidents of rape began in November 2020, when the officer reportedly initiated the sexual assaults. Once the girl became pregnant as a result of the abuse, the couple allegedly pressured her into terminating the pregnancy through an abortion. The victim was administered abortion pills and taken to a hospital for the procedure.
The occurrences of rape came to light during the current month when the girl confided in a therapist at Delhi’s St. Stephen’s Hospital. She was undergoing treatment for panic attacks and, during therapy, disclosed the repeated instances of sexual assault she had endured at the hands of her father’s friend, whom she referred to as ‘mama’ (uncle).
Eventually, the girl informed her mother about the abuse, prompting her mother to file a complaint with the police on August 17. The Khakhas were subsequently arrested on August 18. The police have filed charges against them under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code. Both accused individuals have been remanded into judicial custody.
“We have apprehended two suspects in connection with this case. One of them is 51-year-old Premoday Khakha… the second is his 50-year-old wife, Seema Rani. The wife’s arrest is due to her awareness of the incident and her involvement in facilitating the abortion,” stated senior Delhi Police officer Sagar Singh Khalsi.
"We have apprehended two suspects in connection with this case. One of them is 51-year-old Premoday Khakha… the second is his 50-year-old wife, Seema Rani. Seema Rani's arrest is due to her awareness of the incident," stated senior Delhi Police officer Sagar Singh Khalsi. pic.twitter.com/i5Dr1FtRhv
— Mohit Singh (@coolindian) August 21, 2023
The victim’s family is demanding justice and compensation while also expressing concerns about the safety of other children who might have been subjected to abuse by the Khakhas.
In the aftermath of this incident, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government has come under intense scrutiny. Consequently, the government opted to suspend Deputy Director Premoday Khakha from his role within the Women and Child Development Department. Concurrently, the government has initiated the process of soliciting a report from the chief secretary, which was due by 5 pm on August 21.
Furthermore, the government has issued a directive to the Delhi Police, urging them to expedite the investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. In a show of support for the victim’s family, the government has given assurances that they will receive all the necessary assistance. Additionally, the government has expressed its commitment to taking measures aimed at preventing the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
While the Kejriwal government and its ministers continue to laud their own efforts, the BJP has alleged that this particular officer was their preferred choice. Substantiating their claim, BJP National Spokesperson, Shehzaad Poonawala also shared the relevant documents.
Child Rapist Delhi govt officer was favourite of @ArvindKejriwal govt
No wonder no action was taken till issue was raised by media & us today
Now Swati Maliwal is doing same old drama & goal shifting
*Some questions* to DCW
answer these questions on the complete failure of… pic.twitter.com/aayL9wqysU
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Chowkidar as per INC ecosystem) (@Shehzad_Ind) August 21, 2023
Poonwala also slammed the Delhi Commision of Women for its complete failure and for the patronage which it gave to its favourite officer.
Stop your shameless shifting of goal posts @SwatiJaiHind & answer these questions on the complete failure of DCW & the patronage of Delhi govt to this officer
1) why were you sleeping on the job?
2) you are meeting the survivor only after we exposed you?
3)where were you last 1… pic.twitter.com/3n0R7q9j1b— Shehzad Jai Hind (Chowkidar as per INC ecosystem) (@Shehzad_Ind) August 21, 2023
Meanwhile, CM Arvind Kejriwal has himself ordered the suspension of the official.
