Pratapgarh police arrest wanted accused in rape and POCSO Act case

Pratapgarh police have arrested a wanted accused in a rape and POCSO Act case that had been under investigation. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the case that had listed the man as a named and wanted offender.

Sangipur police apprehended 36-year-old Rakesh Gaund, son of Ramnath Gaund, a resident of Dakhinhan ka Purwa in Naubasta, on Saturday. He was caught near Dabhiyar crossing following a tip-off from an informer. Gaund had been evading arrest in a case registered at Sangipur police station under Section 64(2)(F/M) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 5(J)(II), 5(L), and 5(N)/6 of the POCSO Act.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Deepak Bhukar as part of an ongoing campaign against wanted criminals. Additional Superintendent of Police Western Brijanandan Rai and Circle Officer Lalganj Rajiv Dwivedi oversaw the field operation. The arrest team was led by Station House Officer Gaurav Trivedi and included Sub-Inspector Atul Tiwari and Recruit Constable Prince Devanand.

The arrest comes as part of intensified efforts by Pratapgarh police to track down absconding offenders in serious criminal cases. POCSO Act cases, which involve offenses against children, are treated as priority matters by law enforcement agencies. The successful nabbing of Gaund demonstrates the effectiveness of police surveillance networks and informer coordination in bringing wanted accused to justice.

Police have taken the accused into custody for further interrogation and legal proceedings. The case will now move forward through the judicial process with the primary accused now in police custody.