Surat: A 50-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl living next door in Khatodara police station area on Thursday.The incident came to light when girl’s mother noticed bruises around her private parts and took her to doctor, who after medical examination, raised doubt of rape. This is when the girl told her mother what had happened four days ago.Police arrested accused Ashok Behra from his residence on Thursday soon after the girl’s mother lodged complaint against him.According to the police, initially Behra used to lure the girl to his house by offering chocolate or some other food items. Police said the accused started the assault by touching her inappropriately. He did this for few days and four days ago Behra attempted to rape her.Since the survivor is a minor, the police booked the accused for rape and under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).“Initially, they did not think that she was sexually assaulted. Thinking it to be some medical condition, they took her to doctor, who suspected rape. When the girl’s mother questioned her, she narrated the entire incident,” a police officer of Khatodara police station said.Police said the accused is married. His wife, two daughters and a son live in his native village in Odisha. The accused is employed in a textile weaving unit.

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