A homeless minor girl was abducted from a footpath in south Delhi, raped, and killed. The accused, a cab driver, allegedly dumped her body in a forest stretch along the Faridabad-Gurugram road to conceal the crime. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the incident
According to police officials, the girl, aged around 14, was sleeping on a footpath in the Saket area when she was abducted in the early hours of June 22. The accused, identified as Rahul Sharma (32), a cab driver from Faridabad, allegedly lured the girl with food and then took her to an isolated spot near the Delhi-Haryana border.
Police sources confirmed that the girl was subjected to sexual assault before being strangled to death. Her body was found on June 23 by a passerby in a forested area along the Faridabad-Gurugram road. A post-mortem examination confirmed rape and asphyxiation as the cause of death.
Arrest and investigation
The Delhi Police apprehended the accused from his residence in Faridabad on June 24. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Rajesh Kumar stated, 'We received a missing person complaint on June 22 and tracked the accused through CCTV footage and mobile tower data. He confessed to the crime during interrogation.' The police have recovered the victim's belongings and the cab used in the crime.
The accused has been charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code for abduction, rape, and murder, as well as provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He is currently in judicial custody.
Community reaction and safety concerns
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of homeless children in the capital. Local residents and activists have demanded stricter security measures and better surveillance in vulnerable areas. 'This is a wake-up call for authorities. Homeless children are at constant risk, and we need immediate action,' said Neha Gupta, a child rights activist.
The Delhi Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognizance of the case and sought a detailed report from the police. The commission has also called for a comprehensive review of safety protocols for street children.
Background and statistics
According to a 2023 report by the Delhi government, there are over 50,000 homeless children in the city, many of whom live on footpaths and under flyovers. Incidents of violence against them are underreported. This case has highlighted the urgent need for shelter homes and rehabilitation programs.
The police have urged citizens to report any suspicious activity near homeless populations and have set up a helpline for street children. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are looking into whether the accused had any previous criminal record.
