7 SSB jawans charged with raping four girls

The police is awaiting medical reports to initiate action.

Som, Deputy Inspector General, SSB, Gorakhpur Range, who is looking into the matter, said: “Though the allegation appears unbelievable, it is being investigated. The village, Fatehpur Bangai, where the alleged incident took place does not come under the SSB’s jurisdiction and the jawans never go there.”

“We have talked to the Shravasti police and stern action will be taken if the charges are corroborated in the investigation,” the DIG said. The girls have alleged that seven jawans of Jamunaha post, which is close to the village, barged into their house in the early hours of Tuesday.

Som said the jawans are not allowed to venture out of their patrolling area after 6 pm.

Harendra Kumar, Circle Officer, Bhinga, who visited the village, said: “Four of the girls, aged 14, 15, 16 and 22, alleged that the jawans forcibly entered the house and raped them after holding eight other female members, two kids and a male member of the family at gunpoint.”

DIG Som said the SSB jawans had recently caught some persons in the area carrying liquor and other prohibited items across the border. “But we have no reason to rule out rape until the medical reports are received,” he said.