The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) charged a 29-year-old man for rape of a minor girl in Punakha dzongkhag court on October 2.

It was stated that the man, who is the DCM driver of the girl’s parents and the girl were into an illicit relationship when she was 16-years-old. The girl gave birth on September 7 when she turned 17.

It was only after the birth of the baby did the parents and the wife of the accused knew about the incident.

According to the OAG’s representative, the accused confessed to the crime.

OAG in its charges stated that although the act was consensual, it is rape of a minor above the age of 12. The lawyer also submitted that the man should provide the compensation for the child in accordance with the Marriage Act.

The lawyer also submitted that the court should facilitate the child’s census registration.

According to the Penal Code of Bhutan 2004 and the amended penal code 2011 section 183, the crime should be considered a rape of a minor.

Section 184 of the code states that the crime is graded a second-degree felony with minimum nine years to maximum 15 years imprisonment.

The girl’s brother reported the case to police after her delivery.

Tashi Tenzin

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