In a harrowing incident that has once again cast a shadow over the safety of minors in the Indian capital, three teenagers have been detained in connection with the alleged gang rape of a six-year-old girl. The suspects, aged 13, 14, and 15, were apprehended by the Delhi Police following a prompt report from the victim’s family. The incident reportedly occurred on 18 January in the Bhajanpura locality of North-East Delhi.
Details of the Incident
According to the victim’s mother, the young child returned home in a state of visible physical and emotional distress. “She arrived home covered in blood,” the mother told reporters. Initially, the traumatised child claimed she had merely suffered a fall. However, upon noticing the absence of external abrasions consistent with a tumble, the mother questioned her further, leading to the chilling revelation of what had transpired on a nearby rooftop.
In a rare display of parental accountability, the mother of one of the suspects reportedly turned her own son over to the authorities after witnessing the victim’s condition. The police have since confirmed that all three suspects reside in the same neighbourhood and are employed as labourers in a local factory.
Legal and Medical Proceedings
Senior Police Official Ashish Mishra stated that the authorities have registered a case under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The suspects have been produced before a Juvenile Justice Board, as the investigation continues to gather forensic and digital evidence.
| Key Action Taken | Current Status |
| Suspect Detention | Three teenagers (13, 14, 15) in custody. |
| Medical Examination | Victim underwent forensic testing; results pending. |
| Evidence Gathering | CCTV footage from the Bhajanpura area is being reviewed. |
| Victim Support | The child has received medical treatment and professional counselling. |
Regional Context and Outcry
The case has sparked renewed calls for heightened vigilance in Delhi’s residential and industrial clusters. Police officials have confirmed that the victim’s statement has been formally recorded, and she is currently under the care of medical professionals and counsellors to address the significant trauma of the assault.
As the legal proceedings move to the Juvenile Court, the victim’s family has made a desperate plea for the most stringent punishment possible, highlighting the devastating impact such crimes have on the fabric of local communities.
