A horrific crime has shaken a village in Rampur district, where an 11-year-old speech-and-hearing-impaired girl was brutally raped and left injured in a field. The police have apprehended a 24-year-old suspect, Dan Singh, following a dramatic encounter that left him with a bullet injury.
The young girl, who cannot speak or hear, went missing on Tuesday evening, prompting her family to launch a desperate search. On Wednesday morning, she was found unconscious, naked, and severely injured in a field near her village. She was immediately rushed to a local hospital, which referred her to a medical facility in Meerut for advanced treatment due to the severity of her condition.
“This is a clear case of rape by one or more persons as there were multiple injuries on her private parts. Her face had been struck with a blunt object, leaving it swollen. She was terrified and unable to explain anything. It is one of the most horrific sexual crimes I have seen,” the doctor at the medical facility was quoted as saying while speaking to TOI.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following the discovery, the girl’s mother filed a complaint with the Rampur police, detailing the sexual assault on her disabled daughter. Authorities swiftly registered a First Information Report (FIR) under charges of rape of a minor and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Rampur police chief Vidya Sagar Mishra provided details of the investigation, stating, “We registered a case and arranged for the girl’s medical examination. Three teams were formed to track down the accused. When we tried to arrest him, he opened fire at the police team. Police fired in self-defence and he suffered a bullet injury. We have electronic evidence against the accused. The girl is being treated.”
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CCTV footage played a crucial role in identifying the suspect, Dan Singh, a resident of the same village. The footage captured Singh speaking with the girl outside her home before luring her away. Mishra added, “He then convinces her into accompanying him somewhere where she was raped.”
Suspect’s Encounter with Police
During the police operation to apprehend Singh, the suspect reportedly opened fire on officers, leading to a retaliatory response. Singh sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was taken into custody. Authorities have confirmed that electronic evidence, including CCTV recordings, strengthens the case against him.
The brutal assault has sparked outrage in the Rampur community, with residents demanding swift justice for the young victim. The police are continuing their investigation to ensure all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined, including the possibility of additional suspects.
The girl remains under medical care in Meerut, where doctors are treating her physical injuries and providing support for the trauma she endured. Her family, devastated by the incident, is receiving assistance from local authorities.
Legal Framework and Next Steps
The case falls under the stringent POCSO Act, which aims to protect children from sexual offenses and ensure harsh penalties for perpetrators. With the suspect in custody and evidence mounting, the Rampur police are preparing for legal proceedings to bring justice to the victim and her family.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for vulnerable children, particularly those with disabilities, in rural communities across India.
