Barmer school operator booked for rape of minor

Jaisalmer: A private school operator in Rajasthan’s Barmer district has been booked for allegedly raping a 16-year-old Class 12 student after offering to drop her to school, police said.Police said the incident occurred a moth ago, on April 27, when the accused asked the student to sit in his Bolero vehicle while she was waiting for a bus, then drove her to a deserted location where the alleged rape took place. The girl alleged he bought her ice cream and sweets on the way and later threatened to kill her and “defame” her if she spoke about the incident.The complaint was filed Wednesday evening, police said. Based on the complaint, a case was registered under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and BNS for criminal intimidation. An investigation has been launched.In her report, the student said she studied from Class 8 to Class 11 at the accused’s private school but took admission in another school this year.Police said the complaint also alleged the accused gave her a mobile phone to intimidate her and keep watch, and repeatedly called to threaten her. The girl later told her mother, after which the family approached the police station and filed a named complaint.Barmer Additional SP Nitesh Arya confirmed the case registration. Police said the victim’s medical examination was conducted and her statement will be recorded in court under Section 164. Officials said the accused will be arrested soon.