The prime accused in the kidnapping and murder of a four-year-old girl in Anand district, Gujarat, died on Sunday after police opened fire in self-defence when he allegedly attacked escorting officers with a knife and attempted to flee custody. Suresh Parmar, who had been arrested by Borsad Rural Police within hours of the crime, was later handed over to the Anand Local Crime Branch for deeper investigation into the child's abduction and killing.

How the Encounter Unfolded

According to police, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday while Parmar was being transported to Vasad as part of ongoing investigation proceedings. During the journey, he reportedly complained of vomiting, prompting officers to pull the vehicle over to the roadside.

Once outside the vehicle, Parmar allegedly produced a knife and launched an attack on the escorting officers in a bid to escape. Two police personnel — identified as Rajveersinh and Mahipalsinh — sustained injuries in the assault and were subsequently admitted to hospital for treatment.

Officials stated that Police Sub-Inspector Rana issued repeated warnings, ordering Parmar to drop the weapon, but the accused continued attacking. Officers then opened fire in self-defence, injuring Parmar. He was rushed to Karamsad Hospital, where he died during treatment, police said. The two injured officers remain under medical care.

The Crime That Triggered Public Outrage

The encounter came a day after Parmar's arrest in connection with the death of the four-year-old girl, whose body was recovered near Vasad railway station in Anand district. The child had reportedly gone missing while her family — who had recently arrived in the area — was living at the railway station and surviving by collecting recyclable waste.

The discovery of the girl's body set off widespread public outrage and raised suspicions of sexual assault. Senior officials, including Vadodara Division Railway Police Deputy Superintendent G.S. Baraiya, had earlier stated that preliminary findings suggested a heinous offence. However, they stressed that any confirmation of sexual assault would depend on the post-mortem examination and forensic evidence.

Investigation Status

Police have been probing the case under provisions relating to kidnapping and murder. The exact nature and full extent of the offence is expected to be established through forthcoming forensic and medical reports. Notably, the death of the primary accused in custody adds a layer of procedural scrutiny to an already high-profile case.

This comes amid a broader pattern of custodial encounter deaths in India that routinely invite questions about due process, even when officers cite imminent threat. In this instance, the injuries sustained by two police personnel lend weight to the self-defence account, though a magisterial inquiry — standard procedure in such cases — is expected to follow.

What Happens Next

With the prime accused dead, investigators will rely heavily on forensic evidence and any secondary leads to close the case formally. A magisterial or judicial inquiry into the encounter itself is standard protocol and is likely to be ordered. The two injured officers are expected to provide detailed statements as part of that process.