19-year-old model gang-raped in moving car in Kochi, 4 held

A19-year-old model was allegedly gang-raped in a moving car in Kerala's Kochi late on Thursday night. Three men and a woman have been taken into custody by Ernakulam Police in connection with the case.

According to reports, the model had visited a pub near Cochin Shipyard and was drunk. The accused offered to drop her home in Kakkanad and she was allegedly gang-raped on the way. The accused assaulted her in the vehicle while driving through the city till late night before abandoning her near her house.

The victim is undergoing treatment at Kalamassery Medical College. "Medical evidence suggests that she was injured. After committing the crime, the men dropped the victim at Kakkanad," a senior police official told PTI.

The matter came to light after it was reported to the police by a private hospital, where the victim was admitted by her roommate this morning.

An FIR under sections 370 and 376 has been registered in connection with the case and the accused are yet to be arrested.

Veena George, Minister of Health, Women and Child Development, said that the incident of a girl being gang-raped in Kochi is shocking.

"The incident is strongly condemned. Strict action will be taken against the culprits. I have given directions to ensure adequate treatment for the girl," the minister said.