Almost five days after a 12-year-old girl was gang-raped and murdered by four men in West Bengal’s Baruipur, humanity was again brought to shame in Assam on Wednesday, when a teenage boy allegedly abducted, raped and killed an eight-year-old girl in Sribhumi district, the police reported on Thursday.

According to police, the local residents of the area thrashed him and handed him over to the cops later. 

Accused pretends to be oblivious of incident

The district’s Additional Superintendent of Police Tribhuvan Bhuyan said the accused went around searching for the girl when she went missing. He pretended that he was unaware of the incident. The senior official added, “He was seen riding pillion on the bike of the girl’s father when her family was searching for her. Later he said that the girl’s father allegedly tortured him, and to avenge the act, he committed the crime.” 

Bhuyan went on to say that the accused initially managed to flee, but the cops emerged successful in nabbing him later. He, as per police, has admitted to murdering the girl but has denied the rape allegations. He said, “The girl’s body has been sent for autopsy, and once the reports arrive, things will be clearer.”

Girl abducted while playing, taken to jungle

Additional SP Bhuyan said the girl’s kin told the cops she had stepped out to play when the accused, who was acquainted with her, took her to a jungle. Her body was later found at the same place. Bhuyan added, “He strangled her first by hand and later used her frock to choke her. The girl’s kin said he first raped her before murdering her, but it has to be ascertained with a medical examination yet.” 

Accused booked under these Sections

Police officials aware of the development said the accused teenager has been booked under the Sections 103(1), 141, 65(2) and the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. 

As per police, the accused claims to be under 18 and that the claim was being verified. Another cop said, “Once we ascertain his age, we will produce him before the court.” 

Protests erupt after incident

In the aftermath of the incident, scores of people took to the streets and blocked the roads as a symbol of protest against the incident. However, after the senior police officials intervened, the roads were cleared. The demonstrators said the incident raised questions over the safety of kids and demanded exemplary punishment.