Rudrapur, August 24: A 34-year-old cleric in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur city has been arrested for allegedly raping and sexually assaulting multiple young girls aged 5-9 at a madrassa where he taught Urdu. The accused, identified as Shabbir Raja, a resident of Pilibhit, reportedly used fear tactics involving stories of djinns, threatening the girls that he could unleash these spirits to harm their parents it they did not comply with his demands.

According to a TOI report, Raja would take the girls one by one into his room, force them to watch pornographic content on his phone, and then sexually violate them. Pune Shocker: 17-Year-Old Boy Rapes 13-Year-Old Girl After Forcing Her to Drink Alcohol at Party, Records Video of Sex Assault; 2 Detained.

The case came to light on August 16, 2024, when one of the victims disclosed her ordeal to her mother, who promptly lodged a complaint the following day. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Udham Singh Nagar, Manjunath TC, stated that the cleric is suspected of abusing at least five to seven girls, with the number potentially being higher as more victims may come forward. Raja had reportedly been committing these crimes for nearly two months. Rajasthan Shocker: 4-Year-Old Girl Raped by Relative in Ganganagar District; Arrested.

As part of his scheme, Raja would dismiss older male students early, often after punishing them under the pretext of not completing their homework, and then send older girls home with extra assignments. He would then keep the younger girls behind for "extra classes" during which the assaults occurred.

Raja has been booked under several sections, including those of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Authorities have requested a child welfare commission to counsel the survivors and their parents, anticipating that more victims may reveal similar experiences in the coming days.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2024 12:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).