Synopsis
On April 15, Congress in Chhattisgarh formed a seven-member panel to investigate the sexual assault of a three-year-old girl by a thirteen-year-old neighbor, who is now in police custody. The victim's health remains critical as the committee gathers information.Key Takeaways
- Congress has formed a committee of women leaders to investigate.
- The victim, a three-year-old girl, is in critical condition.
- The accused is a thirteen-year-old boy, currently in custody.
- The incident raises concerns over safety for minors in Chhattisgarh.
- Community ties exist between the victim and the perpetrator.
Raipur, April 15 (NationPress) The principal opposition party, Congress, in Chhattisgarh has established a seven-member investigative team to confront a distressing case of sexual assault involving a three-year-old girl assaulted by her thirteen-year-old neighbor in the Civil Lines police station area of Raipur (Pandari).
The child was found in critical condition and was quickly taken to the hospital by her family, where she continues to receive intensive care.
A representative from the state Congress unit confirmed that her health remains precarious.
State Congress President Deepak Baij acted promptly by setting up a committee made up entirely of female leaders to conduct a thorough investigation, engaging in discussions with family members and neighbors to uncover the facts.
Former Rajya Sabha member Chhaya Verma has been designated as the coordinating member of this panel.
The committee also includes: Anita Sharma, a former legislator from Dharsiwa; Deepti Dubey, the ex-Mayor of Raipur; Sangita Dubey, Secretary of the State Congress Unit; Vandana Rajput, State Congress Spokesperson; Pragati Vajpayee, General Secretary of the State Congress Unit; and Mamata Rai, President of the Women Congress Unit (Urban).
Baij has instructed the committee to compile a comprehensive report on the incident and submit their findings without delay. The accused, a thirteen-year-old boy, is presently in police custody.
Preliminary reports indicate that the victim and the suspect were familiar with each other, as their families are neighbors and belong to the same community.
The alleged sexual assault took place when the child, who had been sleeping next to her mother, woke up and went outside.
She was later found crying, exhibiting signs of distress and wearing stained clothing. Her mother and neighbors promptly alerted the police, leading to the apprehension of the accused.
This incident follows another tragic event during the Navratri celebrations, where a six-year-old girl was brutally assaulted and murdered, reportedly by her uncle. The child had participated in a ceremonial feast known as ‘Kanya Bhoj’ with other children.
Reports indicate that the accused not only sexually assaulted her but also electrocuted her to death before discarding her body in a neighbor’s car to mislead investigators.
The case has ignited widespread protests throughout the state, with the victim’s parents expressing skepticism regarding the police's narrative implicating the uncle.
Statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveal a troubling trend in Chhattisgarh, where sexual violence against minors is alarmingly common.
Many incidents involve perpetrators who are either relatives or acquaintances of the victims. Raipur, along with several other districts, has been identified as particularly unsafe for young girls.
