A Class VII girl, who was allegedly forced into prostitution by her step-aunt and sexually assaulted by her step-brother and step-uncle, was rescued and the relatives arrested, in Avadi in the outskirts of Chennai on Monday.
Police said that the girl had been undergoing harassment for several months and the incident came to light when she recently shared her turmoil with a neighbour, who brought this to the notice of the All-Women Police Station in Avadi.
The police said that the 12-year-old girl was residing with her mother, who works in the housekeeping department at a private hospital, and her step-father, an autorickshaw driver and two step-brothers.
"Four months ago, her 20-year-old step-brother sexually assaulted her at their house when she was alone. But the issue did not come to light," said a police officer. From the statements of the girl and relatives, the police officer said, the girl mostly stayed alone at home and was not taken care of by her parents.
"Meanwhile, the victim's step-aunt who was into the flesh trade and into trafficking, decided to engage the girl. The victim was exploited by her aunt, who promised her huge money which she earned through the girl," said the officer.
The step-aunt resided with her husband and three children. "Since her husband met with an accident and remained at home, he began sexually assaulting the victim a few weeks ago, when the woman was away," added the officer.
The victim also informed the neighbour that the woman's husband had sexually assaulted her for several months. After the neighbour filed a complaint with the Avadi All Women Police Station, a case has been registered under POCSO Act.
Police arrested the step-aunt, her husband and have launched a hunt for the victim's step-brother.
