Bhajanpura: On January 18, a 6-year-old girl was the victim of a brutal sexual assault in the Bhajanpura area of Northeast Delhi. Officials reported that two of the accused were taken into custody a day after the incident, while the third, a minor, remains missing along with his family. The young girl, who was seriously injured in the assault, is now stable and recovering at home with her parents and three siblings.
Meanwhile, Hindu activists have protested the incident by blocking roads, demanding the immediate arrest of the absconding perpetrator. The 13-year-old accused has been identified as a neighbour, while the other two are friends of the family’s late son.
Speaking about the incident, the victim’s mother told the sources that, “She was bleeding heavily and had lost consciousness. I poured water on her face to wake her up. When I asked what had happened, she said she had fallen. Our next-door neighbour, a 13-year-old boy, came running and repeated her story.” She added that the girl was later repeatedly encouraged to speak the truth and finally revealed how the culprits, including the boy, had first lured her and then attacked her.
The family stated that the girl had gone out with her father just before the incident. He bought her some candy and dropped her off at the entrance of their lane. Her mother explained, “The boys caught her there and lured her by offering chowmein. They then took her to a nearby vacant two-story building, where the assault took place. She told us that her hands were tied and her mouth was gagged.”
What happened?
According to a police officer, the girl recounted her ordeal to the authorities, noting that the perpetrators had threatened her to stay silent. Upon learning the truth, her family rushed her to Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital and reported the matter at the Jafrabad police station. She was also advised to undergo HIV and other medical tests.
Medical records reviewed by media outlets indicate that the victim was bleeding and “unable to walk.” During a visit to her home, the media team found her still confined to bed. Her mother said, “It pains her to sit, and she starts bleeding if she walks or plays.” The case has been registered with the Bhajanpura Police Station, near the site of the incident.
Her mother added, “My 14-year-old son died last year due to illness. These boys were his friends, and they used to play together. It’s shocking what they did to my daughter.” Her father, who works as a rickshaw puller, said, “If they knew what they were doing, they should not be released just because they are children. They should face strict punishment.” He has not returned to work due to concerns for his daughter’s safety.
The girl identified the location to the authorities. Police confirmed, “Investigators visited the building, found blood, and collected forensic evidence.” A case has been filed under the relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The accused who were apprehended have been presented before the Child Welfare Committee, while efforts continue to locate the third missing boy. An officer said, “All the accused are minors and have been identified. Two juveniles have been apprehended and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. Efforts are underway to trace the third.” Police added that multiple teams are working to track the fugitive, analysing local intelligence and CCTV footage from surrounding areas. The probe is on.
