In a horrific incident in Assam's Jorhat district, a 65-year-old man has been accused of raping his two granddaughters, aged 10 and 12. The elder girl died by suicide, while the younger is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Incident Details
The accused, a resident of a village under Titabor police station, allegedly committed the crime on multiple occasions over the past few months. The victims are daughters of his son. The elder girl consumed poison on Tuesday and died on the way to the hospital. The younger girl was found unconscious and is currently admitted to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital.
Police Action
Based on a complaint filed by the victims' mother, the police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The accused was arrested on Wednesday and produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who demanded strict punishment for the accused. Protests were held outside the police station, with villagers calling for the death penalty.
Authorities have assured a thorough investigation. The district administration has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the bereaved family and free medical treatment for the younger survivor.
This case highlights the persistent issue of child sexual abuse in India, where family members often perpetrate such crimes. According to National Crime Records Bureau data, over 1 lakh cases of crimes against children were reported in 2021, with a significant number involving sexual offenses.
