A one-and-a-half-month-old baby girl was seriously injured after she was allegedly snatched and thrown to the ground by a neighbour in Akatha village slum under Sarnath police station on Saturday evening. The infant was rushed to hospital. Doctors said her condition was stable and she was out of danger.
Police Statement
ACP (Sarnath) Vidush Saxena said on Sunday that the baby girl, daughter of Rajesh Vanwasi, was undergoing treatment after being assaulted by neighbour Vikas Yadav. “Doctors have informed us that the child is responding well to treatment and is now out of danger,” the ACP said. Police said that during interrogation, Vikas appeared to be mentally unstable. A case has been registered and further legal action is being taken.
Incident Details
According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday evening, when the baby’s grandfather, Pappu, was sitting outside his house with the child in his lap. Vikas allegedly approached them, snatched the infant and, before anyone could react, hurled her to the ground. Witnesses said that when nearby residents tried to intervene, he picked up the child again and slammed her to the ground twice within a span of a few seconds. Family members immediately rescued the infant and rushed her to a multi-specialty hospital for treatment. Rajesh Vanwasi, who earns his livelihood by making idols at Haveliya Crossing, subsequently lodged a complaint with the police.
Public Reaction
Enraged slum dwellers blocked the road at Akatha Crossing on Saturday night and staged a protest demanding strict action against the accused. Later, Sarnath police reached the spot and pacified the protesters after informing them that the accused had been taken into custody.
Accused's Statement
During questioning, Vikas allegedly told police that “God had instructed him to make a sacrifice,” which he claimed was the reason behind his actions. Police said all aspects of the case are being investigated.
