LUCKNOW: A 17-year-old girl from Balrampur has alleged that she was gang-raped by a truck driver and his helper after being offered a lift, and said she remained with them for nearly 150 km before escaping and reaching police in Deoria.Police said Salempur Kotwali in Deoria registered a zero FIR on the basis of the minor’s complaint.As the alleged crime occurred during the truck’s journey between Balrampur and Basti, the FIR has been transferred to the police station concerned in Balrampur for further investigation.The case has been registered under provisions of the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including BNS Section 70(2) for gang rape, Section 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt, and Section 137(2) related to kidnapping or abduction-related conduct.The accused have been named as Samoon and Vakil.According to the complaint, the girl left home on Sunday after a dispute with her family and was waiting by the roadside for a vehicle heading towards Basti.She alleged that a truck driver approached her, asked about her situation, and told her that he was travelling towards Bihar. He reportedly assured her he would drop her at Basti while returning after unloading goods.The girl alleged that after she boarded the truck, the driver asked his helper to take the wheel and then sexually assaulted her while the vehicle was travelling between Balrampur and Basti.She told police it was night and she could not seek help, and alleged she remained in the company of the two men through the night as the truck continued moving.She stated that on Monday around 8am the truck was parked near Salempur Kotwali and the driver stepped out to collect goods. She allegedly opened the driver-side door, fled, and reached the police station to report the incident.A police team later reached the spot where the truck had reportedly been parked, but the men had allegedly fled after abandoning the vehicle.The girl has been placed at a One Stop Centre for care and assistance, said Salempur circle officer Gaurav Singh.
