A shocking incident has triggered outrage in Uttar Pradesh’s Hamirpur district, where a three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered after being taken to a nearby field while playing outside her house.
The incident occurred on November 1 in the Muskara police station area. Police arrested the accused, a 30-year-old man from the locality, after villagers caught him and handed him over to the authorities.
Child Found Dead in a Field
According to police, the child was playing outside her home on Sunday afternoon when the accused allegedly lured her away and took her to a nearby field. She was reportedly sexually assaulted and strangled using her own clothing.
Her body was discovered in the field at around 8 pm, following which the family and local residents raised an alarm. The villagers subsequently caught the suspected accused and handed him over to the police.
Accused Injured in Police Firing
During the investigation, the accused allegedly attempted to escape and opened fire at the police using a country-made pistol. Police retaliated, injuring him in the leg. He was subsequently taken to the district hospital for treatment.
Villagers Clash With Police
The incident triggered anger among local residents. When police attempted to take the child's body for post-mortem examination, some villagers allegedly pelted stones at police personnel and damaged several police vehicles. Reports said six vehicles were damaged during the unrest.
Additional police personnel were deployed to control the situation and prevent further escalation.
Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The child's body was sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway.
The horrific incident has sparked demands for strict action against the accused, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crime.