Raipur/Kanker: A 44-year-old traditional practitioner was taken into custody in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district on Monday after a 14-year-old girl, taken to hospital for illness, was found to be about five months pregnant, police said.
How the case came to light
Police said the girl's parent filed a written complaint on October 18, a day after the teenager was admitted to hospital. Following a medical examination, the girl disclosed that the healer had allegedly administered intoxicating substances that rendered her unconscious and then sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions while treating her.
Allegations and timeline
According to the complaint registered with police, the family first consulted the accused in April when the girl fell ill. The man, described as a traditional healer, reportedly told them the girl had a uterine problem and gave her an amulet. The family returned in May for follow-up treatment.
Police said the complaint states that on a subsequent visit the accused took the girl into a prayer room and sent the accompanying relative away. The family alleges the girl was later taken to the healer several times and repeatedly separated from relatives on the pretext of treatment.
| Date | Event as per complaint |
|---|---|
| April | Family first approaches healer after the girl falls ill; an amulet is given |
| May | Follow-up visit; alleged incident where girl is taken alone into prayer room |
| Oct 18 | Girl taken to hospital; medical exam indicates around five months pregnancy; parent files complaint |
| Oct 19 | Accused questioned and arrested; produced before court |
Charges and legal steps
Police registered a case invoking sections of the Indian Penal Code related to rape and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the statement said. The accused was questioned, arrested on October 19 and produced before a court, which police said they had approached seeking judicial remand.
Investigation status and safeguards
The police account indicates that investigators are treating the matter as repeated sexual assault of a minor, including alleged administration of intoxicants to incapacitate the victim. No further details about the accused's identity, previous complaints, or medical reports beyond the pregnancy finding were released in the initial statement.
- Victim age: 14 years (minor)
- Accused: 44-year-old traditional healer (arrested)
- Location: Kanker district, Chhattisgarh
- Legal provisions invoked: Sections relating to rape under IPC; POCSO Act
Context and public concern
The case highlights continuing concerns about unregulated traditional practitioners offering medical or spiritual remedies, and the vulnerability of minors who may be taken away from family supervision during such consultations. The involvement of intoxicating substances, if proved, would be an aggravating factor in the charges.
Under the POCSO Act, sexual offences against children carry stringent punishments and the law mandates child-friendly procedures for recording statements and conducting medical examinations. Prosecutors and police commonly seek judicial remand in serious cases while further evidence is gathered.
What happens next
Investigators are expected to complete medical and forensic examinations, record statements from family members and other witnesses, and seek corroborative evidence such as any witnesses who accompanied the girl to the healer, or material proof of the alleged intoxicating substances. The court will consider the police's remand request and the evidence presented when deciding custody and the course of prosecution.
The police release did not provide details on whether additional suspects are being sought or whether any prior complaints had been filed against the accused.
Local authorities have not issued any public advisories, according to the police statement released with the arrest update.
