Hyderabad Horror: 16-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted by trio, Including two minors

In a shocking incident that has once again raised concerns over the safety of minors in the city, a 16-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted by three persons, including two minors, in the Chengicherla area on the night of February 16.

According to police, the victim had befriended a 16-year-old boy after meeting him during a shopping trip to the Charminar area on February 7. The two remained in contact over the phone in the following days.

On February 16, the girl met the boy again. That night, he, along with two friends, one adult identified as Imran and another minor allegedly took her in an auto-rickshaw to a house in Chengicherla. There, the trio reportedly threatened her with a knife, forced her to consume alcohol, and then physically and sexually assaulted her.

The girl's mother lodged a missing person complaint at Narsingi police station on February 17, stating that her daughter had left for school that morning but failed to return home. An FIR was immediately registered, triggering an investigation under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. These likely include charges for aggravated penetrative sexual assault, kidnapping/abduction, criminal intimidation with a deadly weapon, and forcible administration of intoxicants.

Acting swiftly, Narsingi police traced the victim and rescued her from Chengicherla on February 18. The same day, officers arrested Imran who has a prior criminal record involving eight cases of robbery, theft, and other offences across various police stations and the minor boy who initially lured the victim. Both were produced before the competent court following their arrest.

A third accused, another minor boy, remains absconding. Police have stated that search operations are actively underway to apprehend him, with efforts including area searches, lead follow-ups from the investigation, and coordination with local networks.

No detailed statements from the victim's family beyond the initial missing person complaint have been made public.

Similarly, child welfare authorities, including the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) , have not issued specific comments yet, though standard protocols under POCSO mandate immediate medical examination, psychological support, and rehabilitation for the survivor. The girl is expected to receive counseling through integrated victim support services, such as those offered by Telangana's Bharosa centres, which provide one-stop assistance for sexual assault survivors, including legal aid and mental health care.

As the incident came to light only today, community reactions and responses from NGOs remain limited. Child rights organisations and local advocacy groups are likely to weigh in as more details emerge, amid growing calls for enhanced awareness on grooming tactics and safety measures for teenagers.

Police have urged parents and guardians to monitor online and offline interactions of minors closely. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities assuring thorough action against all involved.