In a swift and decisive operation, the Jagadhri City police have apprehended a 20-year-old man for the alleged sexual assault of a four-year-old girl within a residential colony. The shocking incident has profoundly disturbed the local community, underscoring the persistent threats faced by young children and the critical need for prompt law enforcement action in such grievous offenses.
Details of the Heinous Crime
The accused has been identified as Pankaj Kumar, originally a resident of Navanagar village in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district. He was residing on rent in the same neighbourhood as the victim, located near the Gauri Shankar Temple in Jagadhri.
The crime was discovered on December 25. The girl's mother had briefly left her daughter alone at home while she went to the market to buy groceries. Upon her return, the mother found visible injuries and marks on the child's private parts. A subsequent inquiry revealed that the accused had entered the house during the mother's short absence and sexually assaulted the minor girl.
Swift Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Acting immediately, the girl's mother filed a formal complaint at the Jagadhri City police station. The police promptly registered a case under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with other applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Superintendent of Police (Yamunanagar) Kamaldeep Goyal constituted a dedicated team from the Jagadhri City police station to locate the suspect. Demonstrating efficiency, the team tracked down and arrested Pankaj Kumar within a short timeframe.
Jagadhri City Station House Officer (SHO) Virender Walia confirmed the arrest, stating that the accused was presented before a local court. The court has remanded him to judicial custody as legal proceedings move forward.
Community Reaction and Calls for Vigilance
The incident has sent shockwaves through Jagadhri, prompting calls from community leaders and child rights activists for enhanced awareness and preventive measures. The case highlights the vulnerability of children and the urgent necessity for communities to adopt stronger safeguards to protect young ones from potential predators.
The prompt response by the Jagadhri police is being noted as a crucial step in ensuring justice for the victim and her family, while also sending a strong message about zero tolerance for crimes against children.
