Man abducts teen, rapes her after promising a pilgrimage trip

By Sagaya Fernando | May 18, 2025

 

Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand, India — In a disturbing case from northern India, a teenage girl was allegedly abducted and raped after being enticed by a promise to visit the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites. 

 

The primary accused, identified as 27-year-old Ashish from Gandhinagar in Joshimath, has been arrested along with another suspect. The incident has triggered outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of minors in the region.

 

Police confirmed that the girl, who had been missing since May 5, was recovered safely on May 18 from the Kedarnath pilgrimage route. Initial investigations revealed that Ashish lured the minor by promising a pilgrimage, only to allegedly sexually assault her during the journey. He then reportedly handed her over to three acquaintances in Haridwar, one of whom also allegedly molested her.

 

Chamoli Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar formed a special investigation team led by Joshimath police station in-charge Devendra Rawat after the girl’s mother filed a missing complaint on May 16. Surveillance and mobile tracking led police to the suspects' location.

 

According to the victim's statement, Ashish raped her after taking her from her home, and one of his associates, Rohit Kashyap, later committed an act of sexual misconduct. Both have been taken into custody. The other two men involved, Jani and Sachin, have been issued legal notices for failing to report the girl’s disappearance.

 

The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including kidnapping and rape, along with charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The police authorities said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests may follow.