In a shocking incident from Uttar Pradesh, a 35-year-old man was apprehended by police on Friday night for the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl in Bijnor. The arrest followed a brief exchange of fire near Moradabad, during which the accused sustained a bullet injury to his leg. He is currently receiving treatment at a district hospital, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
Details of the Heinous Crime
According to the police report, the horrific incident occurred on Thursday evening. The young victim was on her way to a market close to her residence when the accused allegedly lured her away. He took the child to a dilapidated building where he sexually assaulted her. To ensure her silence, he threatened to kill her if she disclosed the assault to anyone.
The traumatized girl returned home in tears and recounted the entire ordeal to her family. Acting promptly on her testimony, her father filed a formal complaint against the accused and another unidentified individual. Law enforcement officials registered a case under stringent legal provisions.
Legal Action and Police Encounter
The case was filed under BNS Section 65(2), which pertains to the rape of a girl under 12 years of age, and BNS Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation. Additionally, charges were pressed under Section 3/6 of the POCSO Act.
Moradabad SP (City) Ranvijay Singh provided details of the arrest. "We located the accused during a checking operation near an under-construction bridge," Singh stated. "In a desperate bid to escape, he opened fire at the police team. Our personnel retaliated in self-defense, resulting in him being shot and subsequently taken into custody."
From the accused, the police recovered a country-made pistol, two live cartridges, two empty cartridges, and a mobile phone. Investigations revealed a disturbing past: the man was out on bail in connection with another case where he was accused of raping a minor in 2022.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community in Bijnor and Moradabad. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover all details of the crime and to identify the second person mentioned in the complaint. The child is receiving necessary support and medical care.
This case highlights the critical importance of swift police action and the application of strong laws like the POCSO Act to protect children. It also raises serious questions about the bail system when individuals with such grave prior charges are involved. The community awaits further developments as the legal process moves forward.
