Assam: 14-year-old boy sexually assaulted in Barpeta's labour office

In a horrifying incident, a 14-year-old boy was allegedly raped by a middle-aged man, Anil Bharali, within the premises of the Labour Office in Barpeta, on May 28. 

The shocking crime came to light when the victim confided in his relatives about the sexual assault he had endured.

Allegedly on May 28, after committing the sexual assault, Bharali tried to cover up the heinous act by offering the boy small sums of money & chocolates.

Acting swiftly, the victim's cousin promptly filed an FIR with the Barpeta Police Station, leading to the immediate arrest of the predator, Anil Bharali.

Reportedly, this was not the first time the minor had fallen prey to the alleged predator's advances. Previously, the predator had tried to lure the boy in various ways. 

The incident has sparked outrage among locals, who are questioning how such a crime could occur within an office campus and why a non-govt. employee was allowed to remain on the premises until 6:30 PM while no other official employee was present. The question also arises, who handed keys of the office to a non-govt. employee. 

The Barpeta Police have registered a case (case no. 215/2024) under section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the accused, Anil Bharali, was produced before the court on May 29.