BHOPAL: In a complex case that surfaced in Gwalior, police are struggling to piece together the final moments of a 12-year-old girl whose partial remains were recovered days after she went missing. The child's stepfather, now under detention, claimed the girl died by suicide inside their home and he secretly disposed of the body in Bhind's Sindh river out of fear of 'social stigma' and police action.
Police Treat Confession with Caution
Investigators, however, are treating his version with caution. Superintendent of police Dharamveer Yadav said they are trying to ascertain whether the child died by suicide or if the scene was manipulated to conceal murder. Was the body mutilated before being dumped, or were injuries caused later by crocodiles in the river?
Background of the Victim
The girl, described as a bright student with an excellent academic record, studied in class 5 and lived in Gwalior's Sirol area. She was reported missing on May 25 by her stepfather. Nearly a week later, on Friday night, police recovered her body from the Mau area of Bhind district near the riverbanks.
Remains were found severely mutilated, with many suspecting crocodiles may have consumed substantial portions. Police are attempting to scientifically establish identity through DNA sampling before determining the exact cause of death.
Contradictions Deepen Suspicion
Police suspicion deepened after contradictions surfaced in the stepfather's account. Family members told investigators the man allegedly threatened his wife and the girl's younger siblings, instructing them to remain silent.
'We are questioning both mother and stepfather. His confession cannot be accepted at face value. It is a challenging investigation,' the SP told TOI.
