12-year-old girl allegedly abused in Assam's Sivasagar; accused arrested

A 48-year-old pani-puri vendor has been arrested in connection with the alleged abuse of a 12-year-old girl in the Telipatti area of Sivasagar town, Assam.

The accused has been identified as Hariram Ray (48), a resident of Samastipur district in Bihar, who had been running a phuchka business in Sivasagar for several years.

According to reports, the incident came to light after the minor informed her parents about what had happened. Following the disclosure, the accused allegedly fled the area and remained absconding for three days.

On July 10 members of the local Bihari community reportedly traced Hariram Ray to Balighat in Nazira. After apprehending him, they handed him over to the Sivasagar Sadar Police.

Police have taken the accused into custody and registered a case. An investigation is underway to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.