Jaipur, Jul 1 (PTI) Authorities in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar demolished three hotels citing violation of building bylaws on Wednesday in connection with the gangrape of a 13-year-old girl, who was found captive at one of the establishments.
So far, 14 people have been arrested in the case, police said.
The girl was allegedly gang-raped by at least two dozen men for five days at multiple hotels.
Earth-moving machines, under heavy police and administrative presence, razed Hotel Khungar, Joy Inn and Hotel Saffire to the ground. The entire area was turned into a virtual police fortress during the demolition drive.
The drive was carried out in the presence of Sub Divisional Magistrate Nayan Gautam, Additional Superintendent of Police Deepak Sharma, Circle Officer Vishnu Khatri, the Kotwali Station House Officer, and more than 50 police and administrative officials. Tight security arrangements were in place across the area to prevent any untoward incident.
“Fourteen accused have been arrested in the case so far. Investigation is ongoing, and anyone found guilty will face strict legal action. No accused will be spared. The hotels were demolished in violation of building byelaws,” Superintendent of Police Hari Shankar said.
The case came to light on June 23 when police raided a hotel in the city and rescued the minor, who was found in captivity.
Initial investigation revealed that the hotel owner and manager were allegedly keeping her confined at the premises and enabled her gangrape by calling many men to the hotel, police said.
According to the FIR, several hotel owners and operators were involved in the exploitation of the minor.
The girl also alleged that she was forced to consume alcohol whenever she experienced pain from the repeated assaults.
The girl told police that a rickshaw driver had sold her to the hotel operators.
The revelations triggered widespread outrage across the city, with residents taking to the streets, demanding arrests and stringent action.
Sustained public pressure eventually prompted authorities to order the bulldozer action against the three hotels.
Further investigations are underway, police said. PTI AG KSI KSI
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