A shocking case of sexual assault on a minor has sent waves of outrage through an industrial belt in Gujarat. A 38-year-old factory worker was arrested on Saturday for the alleged sodomization of a two-year-old boy within a labour colony in Tankara town, Morbi district.
Frantic Search and Dramatic Rescue
The incident unfolded on Friday when the toddler was playing outside his home while his mother was cooking inside. The mother grew suspicious and raised an alarm after the child suddenly went silent. This prompted a frantic search by neighbours in the labour colony of the yarn factory.
The search led them to the locked quarters of the accused. Upon forcing the door open, the neighbours discovered the toddler in a state of undress and visible physical distress. Reports indicate that the accused tried to lock the door again as the child cried in pain. The neighbours intervened, rescued the boy, and immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital.
Medical Confirmation and Identification Hurdle
Medical examinations at the hospital confirmed that the child had sustained severe internal injuries. The accused was caught by the locals and subsequently handed over to the Tankara police.
However, the investigation faced a significant challenge due to the extreme youth of the victim. Samir Sarda, the deputy superintendent of police (DySP) of Wankaner, explained to the media that conducting an identification parade was particularly difficult as the child is only two years old. The process was eventually carried out in the presence of a paediatrician, a child psychologist, and the mamlatdar to ensure legal and procedural correctness.
Investigators noted a telling reaction from the child during the process. While the toddler remained calm around other strangers, including police and officials, he shuddered with fear and began crying the moment he saw the accused. "This face was not unknown to him, and his reaction was a clear indicator of trauma," added DySP Sarda.
Police Custody and Push for Fast-Track Justice
The accused, a native of Motihari in Bihar, was produced before a local court which remanded him to five days of police custody. During the initial remand period, the accused assisted the police in recovering the victim's missing clothes, which are now treated as crucial forensic evidence.
The victim's parents, who are natives of Uttar Pradesh, and the accused both work in the same factory and reside in its labour quarters. The Morbi police have stated that they are meticulously gathering all evidence to build a strong case. Citing the heinous nature of the crime and the tender age of the survivor, authorities are pushing for a fast-track trial to ensure swift justice.
