Kotdwar, Pauri district: A 46-year-old cloth trader was arrested and remanded to judicial custody after his wife lodged a complaint accusing him of having sexually assaulted their two daughters for several years, police said on Tuesday.
Complaint, investigation and arrest
The case was registered at Kotdwar police station after the woman alleged that her husband had raped their daughters, now 19 and 17 years old. According to police, the complainant said the accused threatened to kill the victims if they disclosed the abuse.
Police said they began an inquiry on receiving the complaint, recorded the statements of the two girls and examined various aspects of the allegations. Investigators also collected physical and testimonial evidence and questioned the accused, who was subsequently arrested and produced before a court that sent him to jail.
Officials said the man was a cloth salesman and that preliminary investigations uncovered material supporting the complaint. Police added that the accused had allegedly admitted to the offences during interrogation.
Charges invoked
Local police registered offences under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The specific BNS sections listed by authorities were 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 64(2)(f) (rape by a person in a position of power, including a relative) and 64(2)(m) (repeated rape).
| Allegation | Legal provisions cited |
|---|---|
| Threats and intimidation | BNS 351(2) |
| Rape by a relative/ person in power | BNS 64(2)(f) |
| Repeated rape | BNS 64(2)(m); POCSO |
Police statement and next steps
Police said the probe will thoroughly examine the allegations and that the matter is not being treated merely as a domestic dispute. Investigators stated that they would continue collecting corroborative evidence and follow statutory procedures under POCSO for cases involving minors.
Those charged under POCSO face trial in a specially designated court; the statute includes provisions aimed at safeguarding the identity of child victims and ensuring a child-friendly trial process. Police said victim statements have been recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
Local impact and safeguards
The arrest has drawn attention to the need for vigilance against abuses within families, particularly where children may be threatened into silence. Officials reminded the public that cases involving sexual offences against minors are treated with priority and that evidence from victims, medical examinations and timely investigation are key to prosecution.
- Victim protection: POCSO mandates sensitive recording of child statements and protective measures during investigation and trial.
- Immediate action: Police said they acted after receiving the complaint and produced the accused before a court promptly.
- Further probing: Authorities will examine corroborative evidence and witness testimony as the inquiry proceeds.
What victims and families should know
Police and child-protection authorities advise that allegations of sexual abuse be reported to local law-enforcement agencies without delay. Centralised assistance for children in need of care and protection is available through the national child helpline number, 1098, which coordinates with local authorities and child-welfare services. Local police stations and judicial mechanisms can register complaints and initiate criminal proceedings under BNS and POCSO.
The investigation in Kotdwar remains active. Police said they will provide updates as the probe develops and further legal steps are taken.
