Four teenagers who allegedly gang- raped a 14-year-girl as she walked home from school and a 25-year-old maxi driver who allegedly raped a Moruga student, were among 41 people arrested during an exercise in the Southern Division over the weekend. The exercise was organised by Senior Supt Deodath Dulalchan and executed by ASP Zamsheed Ali, Insp Parsons, Sgt Nobbie and Sgt Mohan. Investigators said the first incident occurred around 2.45 pm on Thursday. The four teenagers allegedly carried the teenager to a house at Picous Avenue, St Margaret's, and took turns raping her.
She later made a report at the St Margaret's Police Station, after which officers began inquiries. All four suspects, aged 15, 16, 17 and 18, were taken to the St Margaret's Police Station where they were charged. In the second rape case, police arrested a 25-year-old man for allegedly raping a 15-year-old Moruga student in the back seat of his panel van. Police said the accused was accustomed to transporting students in his van. It is alleged that around 4 pm on Friday, the man picked up the teenager from school and drove to L'Anse Mitan, Moruga, where he sexually assaulted her.
The accused was arrested and taken to the Princes Town Police Station where he was charged. Meanwhile, in the same exercise, seven people, between the ages of 18 and 35, were arrested for possession of narcotics. Four others were charged for breaching the curfew, 15 were held on warrants, eight were charged for driving under the influence of alcohol, while two others were charged for house breaking and larceny. All of the accused are expected to appear before San Fernando and Princes Town magistrates today.