Minor girl raped by witch doctor

Palanpur , August 23:

A 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a self-proclaimed witch-doctor at her residence in the wee hours today in Deodar taluka in Banaskantha district here, police said today.
The victim's father filed a complaint with Deodar police today.

According to police, the accused, identified as Hari Brahman, was acquainted with the victim's family and used to frequently visit their place, located in Baba Society here.

In the wee hours today, the accused went to their residence and woke up the family, all of whom were asleep, for performing a puja.

On the pretext of removing an evil spirit, he claimed that a small girl was required as she possessed divine qualities. Barring the victim, he asked all the family members to move out of the room, police said.
He then shut the door and bolted it from inside. The suspect then raped the girl.

According to Deodar Police Sub Inspector R P Patel, the family was engaged in a prolonged land dispute and was facing several other family problems.

Police said that Brahman, who belongs to Sardarpura (Ravela) village, is on the run and search has been initiated to nab him.