A Delhi government official named Premoday Khakha, accused of raping a teenage girl multiple times has been arrested along with his wife. The wife is accused of administering abortion medication to the teenager after her husband impregnated her. They were reportedly the girl’s local guardians after her father’s death.
Premoday Khakha, aged 51 was an Assistant Director in the Delhi government’s Women and Child Development Department. He faced suspension from his position just before authorities arrested him.
The delay in arresting Khakha prompted criticism from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The AAP insisted on stringent prosecution of the accused and criticized the delay in his earlier arrest.
Khakha faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The alleged rapes occurred between November 2020 and January 2021 when the girl, aged 14 at the time, was living with Khakha and his wife after her father’s death.
The girl revealed the sexual assaults during therapy for panic attacks at Delhi’s St Stephen’s Hospital. She disclosed the repeated abuse she faced from Khakha, whom she referred to as “mama”.
Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal referred to Khakha as a “predator”. The arrest of the Delhi government official and his wife have generated significant public attention, sparking discussions about child protection and accountability within the system.
