Lollipop vendor arrested for rape

BOGOR (JP): A 60-year-old lollipop vendor was confronted about allegedly raping a six-year-old girl, a relative of the girl said on Saturday.

The vendor, identified as Suwardi of Warung Jambu village, reportedly acknowledged to committing the rape, the girl's elder sister said.

Heti said her sister repeatedly complained about vaginal pain and no longer wanted to be bathed by her parents.

"She never refused to be bathed before. She also said that a lollipop vendor often took her for a walk," Heti recalled.

After spending about a month looking for the lollipop vendor, the family noticed Suwardi selling candies near their house in Tegal Mangga village.

The family, along with two neighbors, confronted the man.

Suwardi refused to comment, but after the girl appeared, he acknowledged the incidents.

The girl's father turned Suwardi over to the Bogor Tengah Police.

The Jakarta Post visited the six-year-old girl who seemed unaffected by the ordeal.

From the medical examination conducted by PMI Hospital in Bogor, the girl's hymen remained intact.

Heti said Suwardi always took her sister for a walk in a cemetery and lured her by offering lollipops.

The case is being handled by local police, with a further investigation pending. (21/edt)