Patna: 3.5-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Raped by Neighbour, Accused Arrested Under Pocso Act
In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a three-and-a-half-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a youth in Patna district late on Friday evening. The matter came to light when the victim’s mother reached the local police station around 9 pm and filed a formal complaint against their 24-year-old neighbour.
Details of the Alleged Crime
The horrific incident occurred while the minor was playing outside her house in what should have been a safe environment. According to her mother's statement to the authorities, a youth from the same village lured the innocent child away from the premises and committed the heinous crime. The family members were alerted upon hearing the girl’s distressed cries and immediately rushed to the spot, subsequently alerting the local police.
Police Response and Investigation
Local police responded with commendable promptness upon receiving the complaint. A dedicated police team, accompanied by experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), arrived swiftly at the crime scene to conduct a thorough investigation. The FSL team meticulously collected crucial evidence to build a strong case against the perpetrator.
The prime accused has been identified as Guddu Kumar, aged 24. He was arrested following a targeted raid conducted late on Friday night. A formal case has been registered under Section 65 and Section 2 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, along with Sections 4 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, highlighting the severity of the charges.
Official Statement from Police Authorities
Police officer Amarendra Kumar Jha provided details on the investigative process. “Upon receiving the information, we reached the site immediately, involved the FSL team for evidence gathering, and apprehended the accused through a prompt raid. All further legal actions are being pursued diligently,” he stated.
The Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) further added, “The victim was admitted to the hospital for medical examination and treatment, where the medico-legal process is currently under way.” This step ensures that the child receives necessary medical care while the legal procedures are meticulously followed.
Community Impact and Legal Framework
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance and stronger child protection measures in residential areas. The swift action by the police, including the involvement of forensic experts and the application of stringent laws like the POCSO Act, demonstrates a commitment to justice for the most vulnerable members of society.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are focusing on ensuring that the legal process is thorough and that the accused faces the full force of the law. The community remains in a state of distress, calling for increased safety protocols to prevent such atrocities in the future.
