Skeleton of Teenage Girl Recovered from Pilibhit Canal After Three-Month Search
In a tragic discovery, the skeletal remains of a 16-year-old girl were recovered from the cascade of the Sharda river's feeder canal near Chittarpur village in Pilibhit district on Friday morning. The recovery marks the grim conclusion to a search operation that began in late December, involving local police and specialized forces.
Background of the Disappearance
According to police reports, on December 27, Roshni Rajpoot allegedly jumped into the canal approximately one kilometer away from her residence in Kalinagar town. The incident followed a dispute with her mother over household work, highlighting a distressing domestic situation that led to this extreme step.
Challenges in the Search Operation
SHO Ashok Pal initially deployed local divers to trace the girl, but they declined to enter the canal water due to extreme cold weather conditions, which hampered early efforts. Subsequently, a Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) team with a boat was called in to conduct a more extensive rescue operation. Despite these efforts, the initial search proved unsuccessful, with only the girl's shawl and slippers recovered from the canal bridge at the time.
Identification and Forensic Steps
Police noted that the skeleton found on Friday had no flesh remaining, but the remnants of her ragged clothing assisted her parents in a preliminary identification. To ensure accuracy, the remains have been sent for autopsy. Puranpur circle officer, Pratik Dahiya, emphasized that DNA testing will be conducted to confirm her identity beyond any doubt, underscoring the thorough investigative approach being taken.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
This case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by teenagers and the importance of mental health awareness in rural areas. The police are continuing their investigation to piece together the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while the community grapples with the loss. The use of advanced forensic methods like DNA analysis reflects a commitment to justice and closure for the grieving family.
