Child rape alleged at IDP camp in Pauktaw Twsp

By Nyan Hein 04 Dec 2020

Nyan Hein | DMG
4 December 2020, Sittwe

A 12-year-old at Hnget Chaung internally displaced person (IDP) camp in Pauktaw Township, Arakan State, was allegedly gang-raped late last month, according to the girl’s family.

The victim was raped by three men on November 29, said the IDP camp in-charge U Maung Noe Miya aka Soe Naing.

“She was taken by the Mawlawi, accusing her of stealing money. As she said she didn’t steal the money, they raped her in the field for not confessing. She got injuries on her hand from being stabbed with scissors. She has been sent to hospital,” the IDP camp leader told DMG.

The victim had been working at the house of the Mawlawi, her family members said. The girl’s uncle U Maung Nu said she did not steal any money.

“The rapists are not at the police station now. I want the truth to come out. My niece is receiving treatment at the hospital. The police have opened a case,” he said.

The case opened against the three accused has been filed under Sections 323, 342, 376, 354 and 144 of the Penal Code and they are under investigation, Police Deputy Superintendent Hla Thein of the Pauktaw Myoma police station told DMG.

The three men are said to be in hiding or on the run.

“Currently, we are investigating based on the complaint. They accused three people. A case has been opened under five sections [of the Penal Code]. I investigate the crime side, the doctor is investigating from the medical side,” he said.

The government should take effective action in the case, according to Daw Saw Thiri Yae Mon, secretary of the Rakhaing Women’s Initiative Organization (RWIO).