A 14-year-old girl was found raped and murdered in the washroom of her neighbour’s house in Paras Estate on Leather Complex Road, Jalandhar. The accused, a 46-year-old father of two, has been arrested on charges of rape and murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act.
According to police officials, the teen had gone to visit her best friend who lived next door, unaware that only the friend’s father was home at the time. Police commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur Randhawa said the man was alone in the house as his wife and daughter had gone out. When the girl failed to return home by evening, her family filed a missing complaint, sparking a search operation.
Despite the family’s urgent complaint, the initial police team led by ASI Mangat Ram allegedly conducted only a superficial search and did not thoroughly check the accused’s house a lapse that residents say cost the girl her life.
“We immediately registered a missing complaint and initiated an investigation, but the team failed to inspect the accused’s house,” Commissioner Randhawa admitted, adding that ASI Mangat Ram has been suspended for negligence.
Hours later, locals reviewing CCTV footage spotted the girl entering the neighbour’s house around 4pm with no footage showing her exit. When confronted, the man allegedly gave evasive answers and resisted allowing residents inside. Infuriated, locals forced their way into the home and were horrified to find the teenager’s body in a washroom.
As news of the discovery spread, enraged locals caught the accused and beat him mercilessly before police intervened. Officers had to physically shield the suspect from the mob as he was rushed to a hospital under heavy security.
ADCP-1 Akarshi Jain and other senior officials reached the spot to bring the situation under control.
Commissioner Randhawa said initial observations suggest the girl was strangled to death. A board of doctors will conduct a videographed autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death and determine whether a rape assault occurred.
“This is very unfortunate. Had the ASI performed his duty diligently, the victim might have been traced early and rushed to the hospital,” she said.
Residents of Paras Estate accused police of indifference and delay, saying a proper initial search might have saved the teenager’s life. “Had the police responded properly, there was a possibility of rescuing the girl safely,” said former MLA and BJP leader Sheetal Angural, who visited the spot.
The accused, currently undergoing treatment at the civil hospital, will be arrested formally once discharged. A case has been registered under BNS sections 103 (murder), 65(1) (rape), and provisions of the POCSO Act.
The brutal killing has sent shockwaves across Jalandhar, with locals demanding strict action not only against the accused but also against negligent police personnel whose lapses may have cost the teen her life. Authorities have promised a full and transparent investigation as the community grapples with the horrific crime.
