Gorontalo – A police officer identified by the initials IG, who is believed to be the key suspect in the rape of a 17-year-old girl, has been officially named a suspect by the Gorontalo Police.

Gorontalo Police chief spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Lisma Dunggio said IG, a first police inspector adjutant, had also been detained at the Gorontalo Police headquarters since Nov. 4 after undergoing an examination

"Based on the examination, investigators concluded that IG had molested, but did not rape the underage female," Lisma told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. The victim had mentioned that IG, who was stationed at the Mootilango Police in Gorontalo regency, was the key suspect who initially raped her in July this year.

The rapes, according to the victim, took place between July and October this year and involved a group of 13 people, consisting of nine policemen, three security guards from the Tolangohula sugar plant and a civilian. The victim has claimed that she was often threatened by the perpetrators if she reported them to the police.

However, Lisma refuted the victim's claims. Based on the examination, added Lisma, IG said that he and the victim were alone when they carried out the sexual acts, which he claimed were consensual.

"The victim may claim that she was raped, but that needs strong evidence. Investigators did not find indications of rape," said Lisma. The Gorontalo Police have also named five other people as suspects in the case.