Daijiworld Media Network – Shujalpur

Shujalpur, Mar 21: A minor boy has been arrested under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act in Shujalpur, Madhya Pradesh, following allegations of molestation involving another minor girl at a cafe. According to police reports, the case also includes sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS) related to offences against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The boy’s father has been named a co-accused in the matter. Shajapur Superintendent of Police Yashpal Singh Rajput confirmed that an FIR has been registered, and the minor was presented in court on Friday. The legal course of action will depend on the special court’s decision regarding his age, as per POCSO and Juvenile Justice Act provisions.

Shujalpur City Police Station in-charge Praveen Pathak stated that the girl hails from Rajgarh district, while the boy resides in Shujalpur. According to the girl’s brother, the two had met earlier in Sarangpur, nearly 40 km away, where the boy allegedly took photos with her. When the girl tried to distance herself, the boy reportedly threatened to leak the photos.

Her brother further alleged that the boy’s father also issued threats when he attempted to intervene. On March 20, the accused allegedly pressured the girl to meet him in Shujalpur. At a cafe, despite her repeated pleas to delete the photos, he allegedly molested her. Her cries for help alerted bystanders, leading to an intervention.

During the altercation, a video surfaced online, purportedly showing the boy being humiliated by a group of individuals, who forced him to chant slogans, including “Love Jihad Paap Hai, Hindu Sangathan Humara Baap Hai.” Speaking on the matter, officer Pathak stated, “The boy has been apprehended and produced in court.

Regarding the video, we are verifying its authenticity and identifying those involved. So far, no complaint has been received against those seen in the footage.” The case has sparked concerns over communal tensions and legal procedures, as authorities continue their investigation.