The Bhutanese Leading the way.
A 25-year-old man was detained by the Wangdue Phodrang police after an official complaint was lodged against him by a 15-year-old, for sexually abusing her.
The incident dates back to June 26 during the cordyceps collection season, when the victim along with her maternal uncle had gone to pick cordyceps in the mountains.
The suspect was also among the collectors who had also gone for the cordyceps picking.
On the night of the June 26, the victim’s uncle had been drinking at the suspect’s tent and had slept there as well.
Meanwhile, the suspect had later crept into the victim’s tent while she was asleep.
The victim reported the incident to police on June 30 upon return to the village.
The suspect has denied the allegations, saying that it was consensual sex.
The officer –in – charge of the Wangdue Phodrang police station said that since the victim is a minor, the suspect will be charged of rape of child above 12 -years.
The offence of raping a minor above 12-years is a third degree felony as per the Penal Code of Bhutan.
The medical report has also confirmed that the victim was sexually abused.
The case has been investigated upon, and been forwarded to the Office of Attorney General for the prosecution.
