Ahmedabad: 15-year-old raped at own home

AHMEDABAD: A 15-year-old girl was raped at her own house by a man who preyed on her because her mother was hospitalized and her father was too infirm to intervene. The girl’s ordeal was revealed on Tuesday when her mother lodged a complaint of rape with the Isanpur police station.
According to case details, the girl was raped by Mahesh Devipujak, 23, about three months ago at her house near Chandola Lake in Isanpur. At the time, the girl’s mother had been admitted to Civil Hospital. The girl’s disabled father, who spent most of his time sleeping outside the house, was unaware of the assault.
On Monday, the girl’s mother was discharged after three months of treatment. The girl confided in her mother about her traumatic experience. The girl also told her mother that Devipujak had said dire consequences would follow if she ever complained about him. Neighbours told the girl’s mother that Devipujak was seen entering her house. The girl’s mother took her to the Isanpur police station on Tuesday and lodged a complaint. Inspector J M Solanki said that the accused has been rounded up and sent for a Covid-19 test. Official arrest will follow after the results are known, he said.
Solanki said that Devipujak, a Vatva resident, used to visit his in-laws’ house in Isanpur. On his visits, Devipujak noticed that the minor was vulnerable. “One day, when the girl’s brother and grandfather were at Civil Hospital, Devipujak entered the house and raped the girl,” Solanki said.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)