Man thrashed for minor rape

Suresh Biswakarma Picture by Chinlop Fudong Lepcha

Rajeev Ravidas, TT, Kalimpong, April 29: A 26-year-old man was thrashed by local people in Rangpo today before being arrested by police for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl.

The police said Suresh Biswakarma, 34, has been charged under section 376 of IPC for rape.

“Biswakarma is originally from Pedong, but has been living in Rangpo for the past one year, doing menial jobs. Around 8.30am today when a four-year-old girl was alone at home, he lured her to his room and sexually assaulted her. A little later when local people came to know about the incident, they accosted Biswakarma and assaulted him,” said a police source.

Rangpo is 35km from here.

The Rangpo police took away Biswakarma as he could be lynched by the angry mob.

“As soon as we heard that a mob was after a man, we reached the spot. We had a tough time freeing him from the marauding mob, but eventually managed to get him to the outpost. However, the mob also reached there and started assaulting him again,” said a police source.

“The crowd also took away the key of the vehicle that was supposed to take the accused to Kalimpong and deflated its tyres. We somehow managed to free him from the mob and to hitch a ride on a passing bike till a little distance away and then board another vehicle to Kalimpong,” the source added.

On reaching Kalimpong, Biswakarma was taken to the subdivisional officer’s office, where people had gathered in large numbers to attack the accused again.

The minor has been admitted to a hospital where she is recovering after undergoing a medical examination. “She is doing fine,” said Sonam Bhutia, the subdivisional medical officer of health.

The accused is also receiving treatment in hospital.

“He has received multiple injuries all over his face and body. We will have to conduct further tests tomorrow,” said Bhutia.

This is third incident of sexual assault on minors in Kalimpong subdivision in less than two weeks.