Gurgaon Toddler Allegedly Sexually Assaulted by Domestic Helps; Police File POCSO Case
In a deeply disturbing incident, a 3-year-old girl residing in a condominium in Sector 54, Gurgaon, has allegedly been sexually assaulted by two women house helps along with their male accomplice, as claimed by her parents. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting grave concerns over child safety in residential areas.
Police Register FIR Under Stringent Laws
On Wednesday, authorities at the Sector 53 police station took swift action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) under critical legal provisions. The case has been filed under sections 17 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which address abetment of sexual offences against children and aggravated penetrative sexual assault, respectively. Additionally, Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to rape of a woman under 12 years of age, has been invoked, reflecting the severity of the allegations.
A police officer emphasized the procedural adherence, stating, "The FIR was immediately registered after we got to know, as per the guidelines of the apex court, but the case is still under investigation. We will take further legal action after a thorough probe." This underscores the commitment to following legal protocols while ensuring a comprehensive inquiry.
Timeline and Details of the Alleged Incident
The alleged assault is reported to have occurred last month, but it came to light only earlier this week when the young survivor confided in her mother about the ordeal. Prompted by this disclosure, the couple approached the police, leading to the registration of the case. According to sources familiar with the matter, both women house helps have been detained by the police, though formal arrests are pending. A security guard at the society noted that police visited the premises on Tuesday, questioning some residents and taking the two women into custody. "They took both the women along, but we don't know about the male accomplice," the guard mentioned, indicating ongoing efforts to locate the third suspect.
In line with standard protocol, the case has been referred to the Child Welfare Committee to ensure the child's welfare. "A senior doctor counselled her in the presence of her parents," an officer revealed, highlighting the psychological support being provided to the survivor amidst the traumatic circumstances.
Community Reactions and Legal Proceedings
The FIR names both women, while the male accomplice remains unidentified at this stage. Investigations reveal that one of the women had recently started working at the survivor's house, whereas the other is employed in a neighboring household. Interestingly, some residents of the society have approached the police to refute the allegations against the accused. "Another person who has employed one of the women said that she has been working with him for several years and is trustworthy. He said she has been named in the FIR because she is close to the other woman. Both of them take care of children. We are taking the case seriously and will follow the law strictly," another police officer commented, indicating the complexity of the case and the need for impartial scrutiny.
Separate Incident in Sushant Lok
In a related development, a separate incident occurred in Sushant Lok on Wednesday, where police booked a man identified as Avtar Bhati for allegedly assaulting, raping, and threatening to kill a woman. Bhati, who is currently evading arrest, faces charges under Sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), and 64(1) (rape) of the BNS. This case adds to the growing concerns over women's safety in the region, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and vigilant law enforcement.
The Gurgaon police are intensifying their investigations into both cases, with a focus on ensuring justice for the victims and upholding the rule of law. As the probe continues, authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activities and cooperate in maintaining a safe environment for all residents, especially vulnerable groups like children and women.
