By: Anil JadhavAMRAVATI: Two days after a Nagpur survivor of the Amravati sex scandal testified before the special investigation team (SIT), the mother of another victim came forward on Monday and filed a complaint at Paratwada police station.The FIR was registered against the second accused in the sex abuse case, Uzer Khan, for allegedly stalking a 16-year-old girl, who was not among the eight identified survivors whose objectionable photos and videos were recorded and shared online.With this fresh FIR, the total cases registered has risen to three — two against Uzer Khan and one against main accused Ayaan Ahmed.Amravati SP (rural) Vishal Anand said Uzer, 20, resident of Paratwada, was in contact with the 16-year-old from the same town. After the girl’s parents got a whiff of the affair, they warned Uzer to stop stalking their daughter. However, Uzer continued to stalk her online, said police. “Based on the complaint by the girl’s mother, an offence has been registered against Uzer under POCSO Act and Section 78 BNS (stalking). SIT is supervising the investigation,” said Anand. Of the eight survivors identified from videos and photos, only the Nagpur survivor went to Paratwada and filed a complaint. “We are trying to collect corroborative evidence that key accused exploited minor girls,” he said.Police appealed to other survivors to come forward without yielding to pressure or fear of stigma. “We are taking legal precautions to ensure the identity of every survivor who comes forward is kept confidential. The survivors should not think they are guilty. We are committed to giving them psychological support. We are ready to help them in all possible ways,” said SP (rural) Vishal Anand. He also said statements would be recorded in confidentiality before a woman magistrate under Section 183 of BNS. Digital and forensic data retrieved from seized devices are being analysed, he said.Anand, however, refused to disclose details of data retrieved as it would affect police investigation. He said the number of accused in custody is currently eight, 10 more suspects are being interrogated. He added parents of Ayaan were questioned, and if anybody tried to help the accused and his family, offences would be registered against them, given the serious nature of the crime.
