Rajkot: A 35-year-old farm labourer was booked for allegedly raping a 16-year-old Class 10 girl twice in Bhayavadar in Rajkot district.The case was registered at Bhayavadar police station against the accused, Haresh Bhatania.According to the complaint filed by the girl’s father, Bhatania allegedly contacted the teenager over phone and took her to a castor field, where he raped her on two occasions.The complaint stated that the accused gifted the girl a mobile phone to establish contact with her. After learning about the alleged incidents, her father warned Bhatania to stay away from her. The girl subsequently stopped communicating with him.However, Bhatania continued to pursue her, stalked her while she was returning from school and attempted to speak to her.Police said the accused worked in a field adjoining the complainant’s farm. Preliminary investigation has revealed that he is married and that his wife gave birth to a child two days before the case was registered.Investigation officer M M Thakor said medical examinations of the girl and the accused had been conducted and that police were collecting further evidence. The accused is a native of Moti Paneli in Upleta taluka of Rajkot district.
