Ahmedabad Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of 8-Year-Old Boy at Religious Premises
In a deeply disturbing incident in Ahmedabad, a 23-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy from Danilimda. The assault reportedly occurred on the terrace of a religious premises on Friday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Incident and Police Response
The child had visited the religious place to offer prayers when the incident took place. According to police reports, the accused, identified as Noman Shaikh, was known to the child as he lived in the same area. Authorities stated that Shaikh engaged the boy in conversation before luring him to the second-floor terrace, allegedly under the pretext of teaching him prayers.
Police investigations reveal that Shaikh remained with the child on the terrace for approximately 20 minutes before sending him back downstairs. The child's condition is reported to be serious, and he was immediately sent to a hospital for treatment following the incident.
Swift Police Action and Legal Proceedings
The child's family registered a formal complaint with the Gaekwad Haveli police station after the boy disclosed the assault to his parents. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vani Doodhat provided crucial details about the investigation.
"When the child told his parents about the assault, they went to the mosque, checked the CCTV footage and informed the police," said ACP Doodhat. "Shaikh was traced and arrested on Friday night based on the evidence gathered."
CCTV footage played a pivotal role in the investigation, showing the accused talking to the child and later following him as the eight-year-old ran out of the mosque. Police conducted a panchnama (spot inspection) by taking the accused to the scene of the crime to document evidence.
Legal Framework and Charges
The case has been registered under multiple legal provisions:
- Provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act
- Section 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
Authorities confirmed that the accused will be produced before a court, and police will seek his remand for further investigation. The swift action by both the family and law enforcement highlights the importance of immediate reporting in such sensitive cases.
This incident underscores critical concerns about child safety in public spaces, particularly in religious premises that should traditionally be considered safe environments. The community response and police investigation demonstrate a coordinated effort to address such serious offenses against children.
