Head constable held for raping minor tribal girl

An 11-year-old tribal girl was allegedly raped by a 45-year-old head constable in district, police said today.
Pramod Chafle, attached with Sironcha police station, was known to the victim as he used to frequent her house for selling illicit liquor to her family at Suryapalli village, around 250 kms from here, said police inspector Sanjay More.
The incident occurred five days back when Chafle allegedly sexually assaulted the girl at her house, apparently when her parents were away, and threatened her of dire consequences if she disclosed the matter.
The matter came to light yesterday when the girl confided in her parents who lodged a complaint with police, following which Chalfe was arrested.

A case under section 376 (rape) of IPC and relevant sections of Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of atrocities) Act was registered, he said.
He was produced before the district court which remanded him in police custody till April 13.
Chafle has been suspended by district SP Sandeep Patil.