GANGTOK: Eight people, including four boys, were apprehended for raping a 13-year-old girl over several months in Sikkim's Gyalshing district, police stated on Sunday.
The authorities acted upon a complaint lodged by the Child Welfare Committee on Friday after the girl's school notified them about her condition.
During counselling sessions, the girl, who persistently appeared unwell and withdrawn in class, identified a woman from her vicinity who would routinely summon her for household assistance. The woman purportedly compelled her into sexual acts, involving her spouse, police indicated.
Investigations unveiled that two additional men were introduced, and the girl was allegedly forced into sexual activities with them for monetary compensation, they stated.
The survivor identified four boys who were allegedly complicit in sexually assaulting her throughout the previous year, they further added.
Based on her testimony, police arrested the woman, her husband and the two men, whilst taking the four juveniles into custody.
The girl is currently under the care of the Child Welfare Committee, receiving counselling and medical attention.
A case was registered under various sections of the BNS and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, police confirmed.
An investigation continues, they stated.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)