Palanpur: A mentally challenged minor girl was allegedly raped by a married man on Saturday night at a scrap yard in Piprara village of Santalpur taluka in Patan district, police said today.

Hanif Samma, the accused who is a father of two, fled from the spot after he was caught red-handed by the scrap yard owner.

“We have filed a complaint against Samma for allegedly raping a mentally challenged 17-year-old girl, who is unable to speak properly due to her mental condition,” Santalpur police sub-inspector J B Chaudhary said.  According to Chaudhary, the 26-year-old Samma allegedly dragged the minor girl to the backside of the yard and raped her.

The incident came to light after the scrap yard owner heard some noise in the yard last night.  “The scrap yard owner heard some noise and went to check along with some other villagers. He found Samma raping the girl, who was crying. Seeing the locals, Samma jumped the fence and fled the spot. We have referred the girl to Patan for medical examination and treatment,” Chaudhary said, adding that they had launched a hunt for Samma.