Dalit girl abducted, raped in UP; 2 including doctor arrested after 600 CCTV checks

A Muslim youth and his doctor acquaintance have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar for allegedly abducting and raping a 17-year-old Dalit girl, in a case that triggered an intensive police operation.The City Kotwali police recovered the girl after a three-day search and later arrested the two accused, identified as Nazim and Mohammad Adil.According to police, the girl was forcibly taken away by Nazim with the alleged assistance of Adil.Following information about her disappearance and the suspected crime, a police team launched a search operation across the area. Investigators examined footage from around 600 CCTV cameras to trace the movements of the accused and locate the girl.The efforts culminated in the recovery of the minor on Friday. Police subsequently confronted Nazim later that night. During the encounter, police opened fire, injuring him before taking him into custody. His alleged accomplice, doctor Mohammad Adil, was also arrested in connection with the case.The police have registered a case against both accused under Sections 64(1) and 70(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.The charges include provisions relating to rape, gang rape, sexual offences against children and offences against a member of a Scheduled Caste.After being produced before a court, both accused were sent to judicial custody on Saturday.Further investigation is expected to focus on establishing the sequence of events, determining the precise role allegedly played by each accused and collecting additional evidence, including CCTV footage and other material.The Muzaffarnagar case comes amid renewed concern over crimes against minors in Uttar Pradesh.Earlier this month, police in Bhadohi arrested an 18-year-old man accused of raping his 12-year-old cousin.The alleged incident took place when the girl's mother had left home to offer prayers, while the family initially delayed approaching police until the child's health deteriorated.In the Muzaffarnagar case, investigators are likely to record the victim's statement in accordance with legal procedure and pursue further evidence before submitting the chargesheet.The court proceedings will determine the culpability of the two accused based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.- EndsSandeep Saini inputsPublished On: Aug 22, 2026 18:50 IST