Protesting families in Lakhimpur Kheri after the brutal rape of 4-year-old girl
Police have taken a local man identified as Khalil, son of Asharfi, into custody after a four-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at his house in a village under Singahi police station on Sunday (September 6) morning. The child returned home with blood on her clothes, later lost consciousness, and was referred to Lucknow after first aid at Nighasan and the district hospital. Angry villagers and members of local Hindu organisations briefly blocked the Singahi-Nighasan road demanding stern action.
According to the family, the girl was playing near her house around 8 a.m. when the accused, a neighbour described in reports as middle-aged and in one police account as about 65, offered her money and took her to his home.
Relatives said she later came back frightened and blood-stained. She tried to describe what had happened and then fainted. The family went to the accused’s house to confront him. They alleged that instead of answering, he picked up a hoe (phawda) and chased them. They then called Dial 112.
A police rapid-response (PRB) team reached the spot and took Khalil into custody. The child was first taken by ambulance to the Community Health Centre at Nighasan. Doctors gave primary treatment and, citing her serious condition, referred her to the district hospital. From there she was sent to Lucknow for further care.
Senior officers including Additional Superintendent of Police Pawan Gautam and Circle Officer (Nighasan) Shivam Kumar arrived with personnel from Singahi, Nighasan, Padua and Tikunia police stations. A forensic team later examined the scene and collected evidence. Officials recorded the family’s account and began inquiries with neighbours.
Villagers and workers associated with Hindu organisations, including Bajrang Dal, gathered at the spot and blocked the connecting road for some time, raising slogans and demanding strict legal action, including calls in some reports for bulldozer action against the accused’s house. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Yaduveer Singh and Additional SP Gautam assured the crowd that the case would be pursued under the law. After that assurance, the blockade was lifted and traffic resumed.
Circle Officer Shivam Kumar said police received a Dial 112 call that a four-year-old girl had been assaulted by a man in his sixties. Officers reached the village, took the accused into custody, and sent the child for medical examination. He said further action would follow the medical report and the investigation. Police said a case has been registered and that procedures applicable to cases involving a minor victim are being followed. The child’s treatment and safety have been described as the immediate priority.
The incident has left the locality tense. Investigation is continuing on the basis of medical findings, forensic material and statements.
