Brothers arrested for raping, forcing Dalit teenager into relationship

Posted On March 6, 2025

Lucknow: A 34-year-old man and his younger brother were arrested for allegedly raping a Dalit teenager and forcing her into a relationship, leading to pregnancy.

Gomtinagar Police on Wednesday filed charges under multiple sections, including gangrape and the SC/ST Act.

SHO, Gomtinagar, Rajesh Tripathi, said that the main accused, Shravan Kumar Awasthi, a resident of Asandra, Barabanki, initially lured the victim with false promises of marriage. He then kept her in a rented accommodation in Gomtinagar, where they lived as husband and wife until May 2024.

The victim alleged that when she pressed for marriage, Shravan forced her into a physical relationship with his younger brother, Arun Kumar Awasthi (27). During this period, she became pregnant. When she resisted attempts to terminate the pregnancy, she was reportedly subjected to physical abuse and death threats.

“The accused stopped providing financial support after the victim became pregnant and ceased visiting her,” said the inspector. Both brothers were arrested following the victim’s complaint to the police on Wednesday.

SHO Tripathi said that the victim’s statement was recorded before a magistrate, and medical examinations were conducted.

“DNA tests will be performed to determine paternity, which will guide further legal proceedings,” he said.

The accused, who both worked as drivers, have been remanded to judicial custody as investigations continue.

Courtesy : TOI

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