A shocking incident of sexual assault on a toddler has sent waves of outrage through an industrial belt in Gujarat. Police in Morbi district arrested a 38-year-old factory worker on Saturday for allegedly sodomizing a two-year-old boy within the labour colony of a yarn factory in Tankara town.
Frantic Search and Dramatic Rescue
The horrific event unfolded on Friday when the victim, a native of Uttar Pradesh, was playing outside his home while his mother was cooking inside. The mother grew suspicious and raised an alarm when the boy suddenly went silent. This prompted an immediate search by neighbours in the labour quarters where both the victim's family and the accused reside.
The search led them to the locked quarters of the accused, identified as a native of Motihari in Bihar. Upon forcing the door open, the neighbours discovered the toddler in a state of undress and visible physical distress. Reports indicate that the accused tried to lock the door again as the child cried in pain. The toddler was swiftly rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Medical Confirmation and Investigative Hurdles
Medical examinations at the hospital confirmed the child had sustained severe internal injuries. Meanwhile, the accused was caught by the locals and handed over to the Tankara police. The investigation, however, faced a significant challenge due to the extreme youth of the survivor.
Samir Sarda, the deputy superintendent of police (DySP) of Wankaner, told TOI that conducting an identification parade was particularly difficult as the victim is only two years old. The process was carried out in the presence of a paediatrician, a child psychologist, and the mamlatdar to ensure it was handled sensitively.
Investigators noted a telling reaction from the child. While he remained calm around other strangers, including police and officials, he shuddered with fear and began crying the moment he saw the accused. "This face was not unknown to him, and his reaction was a clear indicator of trauma," added DSP Sarda.
Legal Proceedings and Push for Fast-Track Trial
A local court has remanded the accused to five days of police custody. During the initial remand period, the accused assisted the police in recovering the victim's missing clothes, which are now treated as crucial forensic evidence for the case.
The Morbi police have stated they are meticulously gathering all evidence to build a strong case. Citing the heinous nature of the crime and the tender age of the survivor, authorities indicated they will push for a fast-track trial to ensure swift justice. The incident has highlighted the vulnerabilities within densely populated labour colonies and sparked a broader conversation about safety and protection for children in such environments.
