Police in Trashiyangtse detained the gup (local leader) of Bumdeling gewog for an alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl on the night of July 3.

The girl’s father, who is a tshogpa in the gewog, reported the matter to police on July 10 and the gup was arrested on July 12

According to sources, the minor was alone when the incident took place, as the parents were away to collect cordyceps.

The girl’s father alleged that the gup, knowing that his daughter was alone, visited his house at the night and took her upstairs to install Wechat in new phone brought by gup for minor.

The minor shared about the incident to her grandmother, who informed the parents after they returned from the mountains, as the mother fell ill. The father then reported the matter to police and health officials.

Sources in Trashiyangtse said the gup went to the village to investigate a farm road.

It was learnt that village elders and parents tried to resolve the issue mutually but couldn’t because it was reported to police and the crime is a felony.

Staff reporter

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