M A I N   N E W S

Ram Lila artiste held for raping minor
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, October 2
A minor belonging to the Dalit community and living in Dhobiana Basti here was allegedly raped by a youth of the same locality last night.

The victim had gone with her younger sister to see the ‘Ram Lila’ in the locality when the accused, Lakhbir Singh, who provides musical accompaniment to the Ram Lila, took her to a secluded place and raped her.

Lakhbir had allegedly called her from the pandal by saying that her father was looking for her. When she came out with her younger sister, the accused gave Rs 10 to her sister and told her to go and buy something.

After raping the girl, he threatened her with dire consequences if she told anyone.

The victim on reaching her house told her grandmother about this, who then informed the girl’s father, who took her to civil hospital for treatment.

The police arrested the accused when he was beating the drum in the Ram Lila. He was given a good thrashing by the policemen and others on the spot and later he got the same treatment at civil hospital, Bathinda.

A case against him has been registered under Sections 363, 366-A, 376, 506 and 511 of the IPC.